The "genius"

Set against the backdrop of the turn-of-the-century art scene, this autobiographical novel delves into the tensions between artistic integrity and commercial interests, as well as the struggles between personal relationships and societal expectations regarding morality. Its provocative content led to its prohibition by the New York Society for the Suppression of Vice, delaying publication until 1923. This controversy solidified the author's reputation as a forward-thinking writer, challenging conventions of his era.