Bertram Cope's Year

Written in 1918, this is the story of Bertram Cope, a young college student, who is befriended by Medora Philips, a wealthy older woman who tries to match him with several eligible young women. However, Bertram is emotionally attached only to his friend, Arthur Lemoyne. The novel's portrayal of their friendship is subtle but has clear overtones of sexual attraction. Largely dismissed by contemporary critics, the novel is now considered a pioneering work of both American realism and gay literature.