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maevesullivan_'s review against another edition
3.5
I wouldn’t say it was amazing the writing, but when placed in its context its value shines - the ending too was very dark and just perfect note to end on …
tallbox's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
ejkimberley's review against another edition
3.0
A very Victorian novel, depicting the life of an upper class, English lesbian who is unflinchingly described throughout as aspiring to masculine roles and skills and presenting in a masculine fashion, such that she is left tenuously on the margins of her family and her world. Though as an upper class woman, she is never without the money which is her birthright.
There is little joy to be found in this depiction, as the book very much lives up to its title. "Stephen" who is so named as her father had wanted (and planned to so name) a boy, perhaps is allowed happiness most at the novel's outset, when her father's tolerance for her masculine self-expression allows her to find herself to some satisfactory extent. But this is ultimately a tragedy, and Stephen's loves are ones she cannot see through to a happy resolution.
This is a stoically mannered novel, depicting a stoically mannered protagonist, so the passion Stephen is ultimately unable to find a happy and enduring expression of is a passion likewise mostly absent from its style of writing. But it's subject matter certainly makes it a compelling time capsule. Perhaps a better work however to read about, than to read.
There is little joy to be found in this depiction, as the book very much lives up to its title. "Stephen" who is so named as her father had wanted (and planned to so name) a boy, perhaps is allowed happiness most at the novel's outset, when her father's tolerance for her masculine self-expression allows her to find herself to some satisfactory extent. But this is ultimately a tragedy, and Stephen's loves are ones she cannot see through to a happy resolution.
This is a stoically mannered novel, depicting a stoically mannered protagonist, so the passion Stephen is ultimately unable to find a happy and enduring expression of is a passion likewise mostly absent from its style of writing. But it's subject matter certainly makes it a compelling time capsule. Perhaps a better work however to read about, than to read.
rottenjester's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
fuck you mean lesbian classic we are literally in the trenches
delidousias's review against another edition
4.25
ohhhhh my God. this is a book that I do not think I will be able to recommend to anyone in my life, but it cut me right in my bones. The protagonist and I are very different people, but sometimes I would hear her describe an emotion exactly as I’ve felt it without having had the words for it. and she does it 100 years before me! I guess I never really believed that there were like. lesbians before the 70s. there’s an indigo girls song about connections through time when you’re reading and i was feeling this forreal. as a disclaimer: this book is flawed! i think the author was conservative and there are undercurrents of that in this book. despite how beautiful some of the passages in this book are, it was disappointing when some of those prejudices would come out and it would take me out of it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Antisemitism and Racism
gsheffy's review against another edition
I cannot begin to articulate how deeply this book entrenched itself in my soul. Stephen Gordon, I will remember you forever. May we all find ourselves able to articulate the fury and may we find our solaces too. The loneliness is unspeakable but the being is divine.
petrichorest's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0
javinki_'s review against another edition
3.0
Mixed bag, overall positive.
Some parts of The Well of Loneliness are so, so beautiful, and it's obsession with queer love and struggle and justice still feels quite overwhelming and radical, some hundred years later.
It also, however, was one the longest, drippiest books I've ever read. I think it's funny that Virginia Woolf supported its right to be published, but drew the line at endorsing the actual writing - it's definitely a little overblown and Victorian and stilted - but I still think it's definitely worth a read. I enjoyed Stephen's fatalistic drive to create too; that's some relatable shit right there :)
PS Absolutely obsessed with the comments and arguments under mark's 2 star review of this book. Y'all on this website are crazy
Some parts of The Well of Loneliness are so, so beautiful, and it's obsession with queer love and struggle and justice still feels quite overwhelming and radical, some hundred years later.
It also, however, was one the longest, drippiest books I've ever read. I think it's funny that Virginia Woolf supported its right to be published, but drew the line at endorsing the actual writing - it's definitely a little overblown and Victorian and stilted - but I still think it's definitely worth a read. I enjoyed Stephen's fatalistic drive to create too; that's some relatable shit right there :)
PS Absolutely obsessed with the comments and arguments under mark's 2 star review of this book. Y'all on this website are crazy
jamiebrew's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The best book I have ever read. A true time capsule of queer history. Exceptional