3 Review(s)

The novel caused quite a sensation upon its release due to its controversial subject matter and thinly veiled references to the real-life relationship between Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas, which was scandalous at the time. "The Green Carnation" is considered one of the earliest examples of "gay literature" in English, although it's important to note that the term "gay" did not have the same connotations at the time of publication as it does now.The story follows the lives of two young men, Esmé Amarinth and Lord Reginald Hastings, as they navigate the social and cultural landscape of late Victorian England. The green carnation becomes a symbol of their relationship and their defiance of conventional morality."The Green Carnation" is notable for its wit, satire, and social commentary, as well as its exploration of themes such as identity, sexuality, and the constraints of society. While controversial in its time, the novel is now considered an important work in the history of LGBTQ+ literature and has been studied for its insights into Victorian attitudes towards homosexuality.