The Well of Loneliness
Stephen Gordon grows up knowing she is different. After serving in an ambulance unit in the First World War, she falls for Mary Llewellyn, then gives her up so Mary can have the conventional life Stephen can't offer. Content notes: homophobia, self-sacrifice, period attitudes.
About This Book
The Well of Loneliness is a historical romance novel by Radclyffe Hall, first published in 2012 by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. It runs 556 pages. Readers can expect forbidden romance; sweet heat.
At a glance
- Genre
- Historical
- Trope
- Forbidden Romance
- Heat
- Sweet
- Published
- 1928
- Length
- 556 pages
Where to read or listen
Get The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall
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Why You May Love This Book
You may love this if…
- A woman struggles to reconcile her true self with a society that denies her right to love.
- Readers of classic literature
- Those interested in LGBTQ+ historical fiction
- Pensive
- Features Forbidden Romance
This may not be ideal if…
- Readers seeking upbeat or happy endings
- Heavy, tragic narrative arc
The Romance
Tropes, dynamics, and the chemistry that drives this story.
Tropes
Relationship Dynamics
Details
Type: F/F
Pairing: F/F
Power balance: unknown
How It Feels
The emotional landscape you'll move through while reading.
High angst.
Heat Level
Based on available metadata and editorial review.
Who Is This Book For?
Best for
Reading mood
May not suit
Recommended audience: Adult
Content Guidance
The Story
Spoiler-Free Synopsis
Stephen Gordon, an ambulance driver during the First World War, navigates her identity in a restrictive era. Upon finding love with Mary Llewellyn, Stephen realizes that the prejudices of their society create an impossible situation for them, leading her to make the painful decision to set Mary free so that she may lead a conventional life.
Central Conflict
The protagonist must choose between personal happiness with her beloved and the social preservation of her partner in the face of intense societal homophobia.
Setting
Early 20th century, World War I era.
Strengths
- Pioneering depiction of identity
- Historical significance
Consider before reading
- Heavy, tragic narrative arc
Discussion Guide
Questions to deepen your reading experience or spark a book club conversation.
- 1
How does the central conflict shape the relationship between the main characters?
- 2
How does the setting influence the characters' decisions and their relationship?
- 3
How do the relationship dynamics evolve throughout the story?
- 4
Who would you most want to recommend this book to?
- 5
How did the pacing affect your reading experience?
- 6
Which aspect of the story did you find most compelling?
How This Profile Was Created
Eikna uses book metadata and AI-assisted analysis to create structured romance profiles. Public profiles are reviewed and approved by an editor before publication.
- Editor reviewed:
- Yes
- Last reviewed:
- October 13, 2026
- Confidence:
- High confidence
- Profile version:
- eikna-public-book-intelligence-v1
About the Author
Radclyffe Hall
What Readers Say
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Publication Details
- Publisher
- CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
- Published
- 1928
- Length
- 556 pages
- Language
- English
- ISBN-13
- 9781478256748
- ISBN-10
- 1478256745
The Well of Loneliness: quick answers
- Who wrote The Well of Loneliness?
- The Well of Loneliness was written by Radclyffe Hall.
- When was The Well of Loneliness published?
- The Well of Loneliness was first published in 2012 by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
- What genre is The Well of Loneliness?
- The Well of Loneliness is a historical romance novel, with forbidden romance.
- How many pages is The Well of Loneliness?
- The Well of Loneliness is 556 pages long.
- How spicy is The Well of Loneliness?
- EIKNA rates The Well of Loneliness as sweet heat.
Are you the author? Verify your author profile to manage this book.
This is my book — sign inWhere to read or listen
Get The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall
These store links are affiliate links (Amazon, Audible, Bookshop.org and Libro.fm). As an Amazon Associate, Eikna earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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