It is said that Forster began writing The Other Boat in 1913 but did not complete it until 1957 0r 1958. Thinking historically around that time, it is no wonder that this piece did not get published until after his death in 1972.
The Other Boat was a risk to write during this time period. Not only did it feature a relationship, romantic and sexual, between two men, but it was also a cross-ethnic relationship. In a time where segregation still existed and was prevalent all over the world, no one would have dreamed about speaking of a mixed couple between a man and a woman. Yet, here is Forster writing about one between two men! This was even more rarely spoken of. The relationship between Cocoanut and Lionel is a short one that Lionel is extremely unsure of and not sure if he wants in the beginning. By the end of the story though, Lionel has revealed that he is extremely fond of Cocoanut. They speak about wanting to be together but know that is impossible. When Lionel goes to smoke it is a closing of their relationship. Cocoanut calls it. Even within the story, it touches on society’s views on homosexual, cross-ethnic relationships.
Not only was it touching on relationships, but we also see a character with PTSD before PTSD was as widely known as it is. After Cocoanut bites Lionel, Lionel goes into a panic attack of sorts thinking he is in a war zone and kills Cocoanut. Then he commits suicide. Forster was way ahead of his time mention the issue of PTSD and depression in this type of situation.
