Joseph y su amigo

Considered the first gay novel published in the United States, back in 1870, Joseph and his friend tells the story of the young farmer Joseph Asten, twenty-two years old, a handsome, lonely and withdrawn boy, with very little experience of life, who lives on a farm with the only company of his aunt and who yearns to find love, although he does not know what kind of love. One day he meets Julia Blessing, an ambitious and manipulative woman, older than him, who has come from the city and who, aware of his innocence as a boy, tries to take advantage of his comfortable financial situation. With such a goal, she seduces him and in a very short time manages to become his wife. But just before the wedding, on a train trip after meeting his future in-laws, Joseph meets Philip Held, a young man somewhat older than himself, in the same carriage, for whom, after the first glance, he feels disturbingly attracted. A minor train accident plunges one into the other's arms, which will start an intense and passionate friendship that transcends the common relationship between two men. But Joseph's life is not going to be easy, because shortly after marrying Julia, he begins to discover the true character of his wife and understands that the wedding has been a serious mistake, although he still cannot imagine how far it will drag him. the ambition of his wife and family. But Philip, his beloved friend, will always be with him.