Radclyffe Hall

Havelock Ellis

Morris Leopold Ernst

The Well of Loneliness

The Well of Loneliness was banned for obscenity when published in 1928. It became an international bestseller, and for decades was the single most famous lesbian novel.

Claire E

Then, Stephen knew that unless she could, indeed, drop dead at the feet of this woman, in whose womb she had quickened, there was one thing she dared not let pass unchallenged, and that was this terrible slur upon her love. And all that was in her rose up to refute it; to protect her love for such unbearable soiling. It was part of herself, and unless she could save it, she could not save herself anymore. She must stand or fall by the courage of that love and to proclaim its right to toleration.

And always these people must carry that lie like a poisonous asp pressed against their bosoms; must unworthily hide and deny their love, which might well be the finest thing about them.

Kendall McClain

Ilse

This book was rather an unexpected gem that I bought on a whim and thoroughly enjoyed! It tells the story of Stephen, the good, the bad and the ugly, without any bias, just as it is. I loved her internal thought processes, her thoughts about love and the love between those of the same sex. It was a tragic story, with a tragic end, but one I'd really recommend anyone read!

'What do I care for the world's opinion? What do I care for anything but you!' Named by her wealthy father, who wanted a boy, Stephen knows she does not fit in. She hates wearing her hair long, loves riding, and fencing and, she soon realizes, is attracted to women. From the battlefields of the First World War and to the streets of bohemian Paris, The Well of Loneliness recounts her passionate search for love and fulfilment. The subject of one of the most notorious obscenity trials in history, Radclyffe Hall's landmark 1928 work of lesbian fiction is a moving portrayal of a woman determined to live life on her own terms. With a new Introduction by Maureen Duffy 'It should be read for the contempt it aroused in the British establishment.' Guardian

Allegra Mejri

Devo dire che poche volte sono completamente soddisfatta di un finale, e questa è una delle poche. 
Un finale tristissimo e pessimistico, ma perfettamente azzeccato.

La stessa cosa vale per il titolo: solamente verso la fine ti rendi conto di come uno degli argomenti centrali del libro sia proprio la solitudine.
Il romanzo riesce a stimolare anche nel lettore quest’emozione che Stephen prova durante tutta la sua vita: l’angoscia di non avere nessuno al proprio fianco, l’abbandono e il rifiuto da parte delle persone più vicine a lei.
Il finale fa leva proprio su questo, sul fatto che dopo tutta una vita Stephen ha accettato il suo crudele destino, suo e di tutti gli altri “invertiti”.

Isabela H 

Whoa
Whoa whoa whoa
This book is probably the only book that has spoken to me on such a deep level.

The Well of Loneliness

Reviews

Highlights