In London in 1894, John is a writer and academic. He is also a homosexual, although married with grown daughters. His wife is aware of his orientation and his seeking satisfaction elsewhere; it’s not something she’s happy about but it’s a burden she’s willing to bear for her reputation in society.
John becomes connected with Henry, and the two collaborate on a book together, one which posits that homosexuality is natural and normal, and should not be punished or condemned. The two men have never met, and they lead different lives—John is in the midst of a not-so-secret relationship with a printer, while Henry and his wife have a nontraditional marriage, which becomes more complicated when another woman moves in to be with his wife.
The book is sure to inflame society. And just before the book is to be published, Oscar Wilde is arrested for gross indecency as a consequence of his homosexuality. That incident causes an uproar which leads to a great deal of scrutiny for John and Henry. They must decide whether to risk it all to publish the book or to accept the world isn’t ready to embrace a new way of thinking.
This is really an interesting story, poignant and very steamy in places, and it’s amazing both how much the world has changed and how much it hasn’t.
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