Orlando can't be simply classified as a lesbian novel. It's a complex work that delves into multiple aspects of identity and love, not limited to one specific orientation.
Basically, a lesbian pulp novel was popular in a certain era. They were usually cheaply produced and aimed at a mass audience. These novels often presented lesbian experiences in a way that was sometimes controversial or sensationalized.
The settings could vary widely. Some might be set in modern urban environments, where the characters navigate through the challenges of a fast - paced, often judgmental society. Others could be in more rural or small - town settings, where the sense of community and secrecy play important roles in the love story. The language used in these novels is usually rich in emotion, to really convey the intensity of the relationships.
I'm not sure which ones were the most popular exactly, but 'Ash' was quite well - received. It's a fantasy - inspired lesbian romance that combines elements of fairytales with a modern - day love story, which made it appealing to a wide range of readers.
As mentioned before, Radclyffe Hall wrote 'The Well of Loneliness' which is often regarded as one of the first lesbian novels. Hall was a well - known lesbian herself and used her writing to explore the experiences and emotions of lesbians in the early 20th century.
Some might also point to works like 'Orlando' by Virginia Woolf. Although it's not strictly a 'lesbian novel' in the most straightforward sense, it contains elements of gender fluidity and same - sex attraction. It was published in 1928 as well. Woolf's exploration of the character Orlando, who changes gender over time, can be seen as a precursor to more modern understandings of queer identities.
The settings in lesbian war novels are usually quite important. The war - torn landscapes can act as a backdrop to the emotional turmoil of the characters. The novels might show how the war affects not only the physical world but also the emotional and relationship - based world of the lesbian characters. They may have to fight for their love and survival in a world that is already in chaos due to the war.
A good lesbian novel often has well - developed characters. The characters should be complex and multi - dimensional, not just defined by their sexual orientation. For example, in 'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit', the main character has many other aspects to her life and personality.
One characteristic is the central focus on female - female relationships. In a lesbian detective novel, the relationship between the female characters is not just a side plot but often drives the story. For example, their relationship might be the reason they start investigating something together.