I remember reading Nell Dunn's Up the Junction which was on my parent's bookshelf - read it when I was quite young and it fascinated me - it was so atmospheric -didn't understand some of the bits (there's an abortion and child birth ) but it really stuck in my head.
Also The Front Runner by Patricia Nell Warren -a gay cult book,I think -found it in a box belonging to a gay cousin ...
and Madam Will you Talk by Mary Stewart which is great with a fantastic car chase through Provence...