This was very intense, methodical, and interesting. ( )

The Well of Loneliness is a path-breaking novel. Published by Radclyffe Hall herself in 1928, it was immediately banned in Britain due to its lesbian theme and was allowed in the United States only after a long court battle. Once it was available, The Well of Loneliness sold more than 20,000 copies its first year and paved the way for other works with lesbian themes. The novel concerns a girl born into a wealthy English family at the turn of the century and named Stephen by her father who desperately wanted a boy. Practically from birth, Stephen is described as 'different,' yet while Radclyffe Hall delivers the powerful message that lesbianism is natural, she also asks the reader to have pity on Stephen Gordon, for, along with the popular psychoanalysts of her day, Radclyffe Hall describes lesbianism as an 'inversion.'

A mostly martyred and sadistic treatment of "inversion" circa 1928 Britain, which alternates between passionate cries for equality and recognition as natural on one hand and on the other abased self-denial and reaffirmation of "the perfect thing" that is heteronormative love, raising children, and a sense of belonging to society. In tone, too, it varies wildly from prosaic to embarrassingly romantic and pagan to brutally intense (the last chapter is, while sort of ridiculous ...more A mostly martyred and sadistic treatment of "inversion" circa 1928 Britain, which alternates between passionate cries for equality and recognition as natural on one hand and on the other abased self-denial and reaffirmation of "the perfect thing" that is heteronormative love, raising children, and a sense of belonging to society. In tone, too, it varies wildly from prosaic to embarrassingly romantic and pagan to brutally intense (the last chapter is, while sort of ridiculous in substance, unusually successful in this).

An important landmark for lesbian literature and a fascinatingly grotesque exercise in self-perception, but not a very good novel at all. Following nearly forty years of a life from birth to final tragedy, Stephen Gordon is described sometimes in excruciating, pointless detail; at others, major events breeze past with little consideration. The supporting players are mostly stock figures, and perhaps read more so today than when it was published as all the gay and lesbian stereotypes have played out through decades of cultural output, but none have much to contribute besides a definite articulated viewpoint and position counter to our heroine, and are dropped and brought up again with no elegance. That is the major problem with all aspects of the story: everything is definitely articulated and inelegant, and the epic length makes it so tiresome weeks went by without wanting to take it up (then again, there were days of compulsive, delighted reading, too) -- and Hall relies on a number of recurring favored turns of phrase that grow increasingly stilted and oppressive.

Where it isn't bland it is almost relentlessly bleak, but, as far as it goes, for that it makes a useful study in gay life and identity in the early part of the 20th century. One only wishes for more -- or at least more style where it does find its purpose. ( )

the best thing i can say about 'well' is that it inspired Mary Renault, who read it while on vacation in France with her partner, to write "Middle Mist" (published in the US as "the friendly young ladies") as a retort. ( )

Starts slow, but the foundation needed to be set. Once it gets going the story hooks you. Stephen's turmoil is heartbreaking, but I'm not convinced it rings true. The ending is odd, but I still recommend it highly. The description of the Paris social scene is gripping, especially when juxtapsed with periods of religious and romantic passion. ( )