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Product Description
First published in 1928, this timeless portrayal of lesbian love is now a classic. The thinly disguised story of Hall's own life, it was banned outright upon publication and almost ruined her literary career.
Customer Review:A6Y5R84GTS368
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Summary: Still Resonates Today
This book should be a must read for everyone. It is the story of a lesbian coming of age in the early 20th century who realizes early on that the love she feels for others is a love that will forever set her apart from the world in which she lives. Even within her own family, her father accepts her but cannot vocalize his acceptance of her sexual orientation, while her mother, feeling estranged from her daughter since birth for reasons she cannot pinpoint, eventually outright rejects the daughter when she learns the truth.
As devastating as the facts of the story are, the awareness of the girl at an early age- and the undeniable reality that this character speaks for thousands upon thousands of girls worldwide, since of all eternity- makes the emotions and struggles described vividly real and painful. She cannot love because to do so is to risk ridicule and contempt from society, directed at both herself and whomever she loves.
As Stephen (the purposefully "masculine" named female character) matures and enters the real world apart from her isolated English manor, she meets other lesbians and eventually finds a small community of like minded souls that helps her come to terms with her own identity. Unfortunately, this insular society is not strong enough to change the world nor successfully repel the hate that it directs towards those who are 'different', and thus even when Stephen does find real love with someone willing to shoulder the burden that such a love entails, she is unable to protect that special relationship from those who want to destroy it.
This is a powerful book. Depressing, yes, but in a way that no matter how enlightened you may think you are, opens your eyes and hearts to the silent struggles of countless thousands, if not millions. Lesbian fiction, yes, but more importantly, it is human fiction, about the search for love that we all undertake.
Customer Review:A1Q5TBYQESD98Z
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Summary: The saddest book ever
I have never cried as hard as I did when I read this. It's incredible. I recommend it to anyone who likes emotional books.
Customer Review:A3FS7RSDQ7JSWC
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Summary: "Can One Be True To One's Own Heart?"
This once upon a time 'hush-hush' closet book...is now, free to "come out!"
Born into pomp & circumstance and the apple of her daddy's eye, in a
strict Victorian age of aristocratic do's & don't's, a seemingly odd little girl
discovers early on, that shes a little different than all the other, little girls.
As a teenager and on into adulthood, she is forced to search deep within
herself and realize that her education, privileged upbringing, financial and material wealth and the cream of aristocratic male suitors and paternal matchmaking, are defenseless barriers against her true longing..., the committed love of and sexual union with, another woman.
The initial infatuation and suppression of her feelings, led to a love triangle, a social scandal and the unequivocal disclosure of her lesbianism and the union with her first, female, lover. A woman who just happened to have been engaged, to a man.
Set in the back drop of a war, the mental and emotional battles this woman faced, are no less, dramatic. The passionate love and losses of the human heart are clearly amplified in her battle to conform to the norms of society, yet be true too her own, heart.
Regardless of your sexual preference or lack thereof, it's a book worth,
reading! Nina
Customer Review:A1CQ68DPSY3J6B
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Summary: Fast and easy purchase
Purchased the book and within three days received it. Great, fast, consistent, service. Thank you.
Customer Review:A2W33ZVK38D88E
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Summary: Truly Thought Provoking
I am usually a fast reader, however, it has taken me about a week to finish this book, simply because after reading a few pages, I begin to think about some of the deeper questions asked in the novel. It almost makes me sick to have graduated college, I think this book would be a great discussion piece in some of the literature/ sexual identity classes I took. I think this novel is important for everyone to read.
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