Bertram Cope’s Year, published in 1919, is considered one of the earliest American novels to subtly address themes of same-sex relationships. Set in a Midwestern university town, the story follows the reserved and handsome Bertram Cope as he navigates social and romantic entanglements. Fuller’s understated treatment of emotional undercurrents, social expectations, and personal identity offers a nuanced portrayal of youth and belonging. The novel is now recognized as a pioneering work in the history of LGBTQ+ literature.
