Diana: The Story of a Strange Love

An autobiographical novel set in the pre-World War II era that is a compelling and honest story about one woman's journey to self-discovery.  It is the story of Diana, a woman who struggles to remain true to herself despite societal convention and expectations.  As a youth, Diana lives her life as a tomboy… and doesn't really think anything of it, until she falls in love with Ruth. At first, Diana is somewhat horrified to learn that she's a lesbian.  She attempts a relationship with a man… in the hopes that it'll prove her suspicions wrong. But when it doesn't work out, she accepts herself as a lesbian and begins her journey. 
 
Diana's quest takes her from Midwestern America to New York, Berlin, Paris and back to New York. Along the way, she has many adventures and meets many women... some, just like herself.  This is the unusual and compelling story of Diana, a tantalizingly beautiful woman who sought love in the arms of other women. Fearless and out¬spoken, it is a novel that dares to reveal that hidden world where perfumed caresses and half-whispered endearments constitute the forbidden fruits in a Garden of Eden where men are not allowed.

From the novel…

It must have been half an hour before my door opened and then Leslie stood by my bed trembling violently. I took her hands and drew her down. Her hair was soft and exciting, but I did not dare caress her. Then she clasped my hand and turned her lips to me. I kissed her tenderly, much more tenderly than I felt. When I tried to hold her away from me, to see her eyes, she shook her head and clung to me with a little involuntary cry. I knew I would remember this always.