65 pages • 2 hours read
The Well of Loneliness
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Book Brief
608
Novel • Fiction
England • Early 20th century
1928
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Well of Loneliness is a 1928 novel by British author Radclyffe Hall that tells the story of Stephen Gordon, an upper-class Englishwoman who struggles as a lesbian with the confines of society. After grappling with her identity from childhood and facing various unrequited loves and societal rejections, Stephen becomes a successful writer and serves as an ambulance driver during World War I, developing a complex romantic relationship with Mary Llewellyn. Themes of substance use, war trauma, and suicide are present in the narrative.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Challenging
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
18,533 ratings
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Review Roundup
Radclyffe Hall's The Well of Loneliness is a pioneering work of LGBTQ+ literature. Praised for its courageous exploration of lesbian identity and societal challenges, the novel has been influential yet controversial. Critics commend its emotional depth and character development, though some find its pacing slow and prose overly melancholic.
Who Should Read The Well of Loneliness?
Readers who appreciate LGBTQ+ themes, psychological depth, and the exploration of societal norms will enjoy Radclyffe Hall's The Well of Loneliness. Fans of Virginia Woolf's Orlando and James Baldwin's Giovanni's Room will find resonant themes of identity and belonging. Hall's novel is a pioneering work in queer literature.
18,533 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
608
Novel • Fiction
England • Early 20th century
1928
Adult
18+ years
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