Weightless Books

Originally published in 1962, John D. Keefauver’s Tormented Virgin is one of a thousand of pulp novels that sought to entice readers with a salacious story. The novel follows Gene through his romance with the young and attractive Faye, as well as his attraction to Mickey, the lesbian who is attempting to seduce Faye, and also Mark, his own best friend. This confusion of gender and attraction creates a subversively queer milieu for a novel. Keefauver’s novel is not only emblematic of mid-20th-century mainstream society view of bisexuality, but a growing awareness of sexual energy and the struggle of queer individuals in a ”new America.” Lethe Press is proud to release this pulp novel, rescued from literary oblivion primarily for its provocative character, with a foreword by scholar Brit Mandelo and afterword by author Scott Nicolay. Featuring new artwork by modern pulp master James O’Barr.

Posted on Saturday, June 1st, 2019 at 12:00 am.