In late January 1859, Ethel's Love Life hit the bookstores. The novel, by Portland socialite Margaret Mussey Sweat, consists of Ethel's letters to fiancÈ Ernest, letters that detail her tempestuous passions - to members of both genders. Although not all scholars agree with the assessment, the book has been called America's first novel to explore lesbianism. (Source: Women of Maine, by Lee Agger. Portland: Guy Gannett Publishing Company, 1982)