Despised and Rejected

In the year leading up to the First World War, four people’s lives intertwine, only to be pulled apart. A landmark of gay and pacifist literature, Rose Allatini’s story foregrounding conscientious objectors and queer love amidst wartime turmoil was banned months after its publication.

At a countryside hotel, guests watch an amateur play. One of the actors, Antoinette de Courcy, is infatuated with Hester Cawthorn, a reserved and alluring woman. Dennis Blackwood, a gifted composer, is intrigued by Antoinette, sensing that they are alike. He meets Alan, and the two are instantly attracted to each other. Unlike Antoinette’s determined pursuit of Hester, Dennis wholly represses his sexuality. With the war looming, families are torn apart by personal politics: the men around Dennis embrace the patriotic cause and sign up to fight. Dennis, however, knows that embracing peace is the only possible way to live. He attempts to stamp out his powerful desire for Alan by focusing all attention on Antoinette. Yet this only leads to mutual unfulfilment, and understanding comes too late. Each day, as Dennis and others defend themselves in public court and private circles, the likelihood of forced enrolment or imprisonment grows.

Despised and Rejected is part of the Persephone Audiobook Collection, a series of forgotten classics including neglected fiction and non-fiction by women writers. First published in 1918, this edition includes an afterword by Jonathan Cutbill and is narrated by Robyn Holdaway.