The Well of Loneliness: Lesbian Classic
Radclyffe Hall
Nov 2023 · DigiCat
Ebook
457
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About this ebook
"The Well of Loneliness" is a lesbian novel by British author Radclyffe Hall that was first published in 1928 by Jonathan Cape. It follows the life of Stephen Gordon, an Englishwoman from an upper-class family whose "sexual inversion" (homosexuality) is apparent from an early age. She finds love with Mary Llewellyn, whom she meets while serving as an ambulance driver in World War I, but their happiness together is marred by social isolation and rejection, which Hall depicts as typically suffered by "inverts", with predictably debilitating effects. The novel portrays "inversion" as a natural, God-given state and makes an explicit plea: "Give us also the right to our existence".
About the author
Radclyffe Hall (1880–1943), born Marguerite Radclyffe Hall, stands as a seminal figure in lesbian literature, primarily recognized for her groundbreaking novel 'The Well of Loneliness' (1928). Hall's writing is characterized by its courageous exploration of lesbian identity and love at a time when such subjects were taboo and subject to legal censure. 'The Well of Loneliness' follows the life of Stephen Gordon, a woman who identifies as an 'invert', a term used at the time to describe homosexual individuals. Despite its lack of explicit content, the book was subject to a notorious obscenity trial in the UK, which resulted in its being banned. Yet, it emerged as an important work for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ issues and is often cited as the quintessential work of lesbian fiction from the early 20th century. Hall's literary style is marked by a lyrical yet straightforward realism and a deep compassion for her characters. Through her writing, Hall advanced the representation of queer identity in literature, making her works key texts in gender and sexuality studies. Her other books, like 'Adam's Breed' (1926), which won the Femina Vie Heureuse Prize and the James Tait Black Memorial Prize, also exhibit her nuanced perspectives on social outcasts and spiritual seeking. As a figure, Hall defied the gender norms of her era, adopting a masculine appearance and publicly acknowledging her sexuality. Her contribution to literature not only narrates the rich inner lives of her characters but also offers a window into the struggles faced by gender and sexual minorities in the early 20th century.
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