The Well of Loneliness

The Well of Loneliness is a novel written by Radclyffe Hall and first published in 1928. It is a pioneering work in the defense of the rights of LGBTQ+ people.

The novel follows the life of Stephen Gordon, a girl born into an aristocratic English family at the turn of the 20th century. Named Stephen by her father because he wanted a son, she realizes at an early age that she is different from other girls.

From childhood to adulthood, the novel deals with Stephen's self-consciousness and social isolation. Because of her sexual orientation, she faces prejudice and rejection from society and her own family.

Fortunately, throughout the novel, Stephen is supported by other women who help her in her struggle against what was then known as "sexual inversion" and for her acceptance in society.

"Not very far from Upton-on-Severn—between it, in fact, and the Malvern Hills—stands the country seat of the Gordons of Bramley; well-timbered, well-cottaged, well-fenced and well-watered, having, in this latter respect, a stream that forks in exactly the right position to feed two large lakes in the grounds."