Summary of The Well of Loneliness

The Well of Loneliness is a 1928 novel by British author Radclyffe Hall. It tells the story of Stephen Gordon, an Englishwoman from an upper-class family whose "sexual inversion" (homosexuality) is apparent from an early age. After a series of botched feminine "practices", she develops a strong lesbian relationship with Mary Llewellyn and begins living openly as a lesbian. Despite public outrage, Stephen’s family stands firm in their acceptance of her. When Mary leaves her, Stephen is devastated and seeks out male lovers but is only further isolated. In the end she is consoled by her loving family, who help her to accept her own nature.