Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H. Lawrence

"Ours is essentially a tragic age, so we refuse to take it tragically. The cataclysm has happened, we are among the ruins, we start to build up new little habits, to have new little hopes. It is rather hard work: there is no smooth road into the future: but we go round, or scramble over the obstacles. We've got to live, no matter how many skies have fallen."

Exploring versions of "Lady Chatterley's Lover"

Lesser known information is that D.H. Lawrence actually wrote three distinct versions of his controversial novel "Lady Chatterley's Lover."

The version that we now recognise and refer to by this title is, in fact, his third attempt at capturing the essence of the story. Lawrence's first version of "Lady Chatterley's Lover" was drafted in 1920 and was initially intended to be a more straightforward narrative. However, he soon found that this version did not fully encapsulate the depth of emotion and complexity he wished to convey. As a result, he embarked on a second version, which further explored the intricacies of human relationships, particularly focusing on the stark contrasts between social classes and the impact of industrialisation on personal connections. Ultimately, Lawrence considered his third version, published in March 1928, to be the most definitive representation of his vision.

Notably, this edition was published just a few months before Lawrence's death, choosing to finance its publication himself due to difficulties he faced in finding a publisher willing to take on such a provocative work. The novel's explicit content and exploration of taboo subjects made it a target for censorship, which only heightened its notoriety.

The publication of this definitive version marked a significant moment in literary history, as it not only challenged the conventions of its time but also paved the way for future discussions about sexuality and the human experience in literature. The subsequent legal battles and debates surrounding the book's content further solidified its status as a groundbreaking work, ensuring that Lawrence's insights would resonate with readers for generations to come.

What are you thoughts on Lawrence's writing and how did you feel he set his scene with this opening for his most notorious and controversial work?

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