Definitely check out 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker. It's set in the early 20th - century rural South and while it's mainly about the experiences of African - American women, it also has strong elements of same - sex love and relationships. The story is about love, abuse, and the power of friendship. 'Fingersmith' by Sarah Waters is another. Set in 19th - century London, it has a complex plot full of twists and turns and a great love story between two women. The historical details of the city, from the slums to the upper - class mansions, are vividly portrayed. 'The Well of Loneliness' by Radclyffe Hall is a classic. Set in early 20th - century England, it was one of the first novels to deal openly with lesbianism and the struggles of a lesbian in a society that doesn't understand or accept her.
One of the top ones is 'The Miseducation of Cameron Post' which, while set in more recent history (the 1990s), still has that historical feel as it shows the challenges gay youth faced during that time. It's a story of self - acceptance and love. Another great one is 'Fun Home' by Alison Bechdel. It's a graphic novel that tells the story of Bechdel's relationship with her father while also exploring her own lesbian identity in a historical context. It gives a unique perspective on family, growing up, and same - sex relationships. Finally, 'Boy Meets Boy' by David Levithan is set in a utopian - like town where being gay is accepted, but it still has elements of historical romance as it shows the development of a relationship between two boys.