Left to Themselves

Left to Themselves, written by Edward Irenaeus Prime-Stevenson in 1891, is recognized as the first gay youth novel. The story follows 12-year-old Gerald Saxton and 17-year-old Philip Touchtone as they embark on a journey from New York to Nova Scotia. Their adventure takes a perilous turn when their steamer sinks, leaving them shipwrecked on an island while being pursued by a shady antagonist. The novel explores the development of a deep friendship between the boys amidst their challenges, marking a significant moment in LGBTQ literature.