Description
THE WELL OF LONELINESS
Book Summary
Published in 1928, The Well of Loneliness is a pioneering work of queer literature that became a symbol of resistance after being banned in the United Kingdom for its honest portrayal of lesbianism. Through the story of Stephen Gordon, a woman fighting to defend her identity in a hostile world, Radclyffe Hall broke taboos and challenged the rigid moral norms of her time. This special edition, featuring an annotated translation by Gloria Fortún and original illustrations by Carla Berrocal, restores this essential classic to its rightful place, offering an enriching reading experience that remains relevant nearly a century later.
What is it about?
The novel chronicles the life of Stephen Gordon, a woman who, from childhood, feels she does not fit into traditional gender roles. Raised in an aristocratic English family, Stephen discovers her attraction to other women and faces social rejection, family misunderstanding, and the loneliness imposed by a society that does not tolerate difference. The work follows her journey from Victorian England to the Parisian bohemian scene, showing her struggle to find love, acceptance, and a place in the world. Hall offers a poignant and uncompromising portrait of the suffering and hope of a marginalized community, making Stephen a lesbian icon whose story continues to be read, shared, and celebrated.
Main themes
- Sexual identity and the struggle for self-acceptance in a repressive environment
- Love between women and the search for authentic relationships in the face of social rejection
- Loneliness as a consequence of marginalization and social stigma
- Resistance and dignity in the face of discrimination and moral hypocrisy
- The conflict between individual identity and imposed social norms
Who is it recommended for?
This book is intended for readers interested in classic literature with a queer perspective, as well as those seeking to understand the historical roots of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. It is also an essential read for students of literature, feminist history, and gender studies, as well as for anyone who values works that challenged the boundaries of their time and paved the way for future generations of writers and readers.
What this book offers
- A fundamental historical testament to the experience of homosexual women in the early decades of the 20th century
- An annotated translation that enriches the understanding of the context and nuances of the original work
- Original illustrations that immerse the reader in the novel's universe and provide a new visual dimension
- The opportunity to rediscover a banned classic that remains a symbol of resistance and dignity
- A moving narrative that connects emotionally with the reader and encourages reflection on identity and acceptance
Technical data
- Author: Berrocal, Carla; Hall, Radclyffe
- Publisher: Dos Bigotes
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Anthologies (non-poetic), Modern and contemporary fiction, Classic fiction, Fiction: special features, Short stories, Fiction in translation
- Collection: Dos Bigotes
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: June 2025
- Number of pages: 584
- Weight: 500 g
Editorial review
The Well of Loneliness is a work that transcends its time and, almost a hundred years after its publication, retains all its power and relevance. This edition from Dos Bigotes, with an annotated translation and illustrations, offers a unique opportunity to rediscover a classic of queer literature that marked a turning point in the representation of sexual diversity. The novel combines unquestionable historical value with a deeply human narrative that continues to move and provoke reflection. Recommended for both new readers and those already familiar with the work, this edition is a valuable addition to any library interested in literature of resistance and LGBTQ+ memory.