Review: "Everything The Darkness Eats" by Eric Larocca, 2023

Everything the Darkness Eats by Eric LaRocca, 2023
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Eric LaRocca's "Everything the Darkness Eats" is a novel that masterfully intertwines the cosmic and the personal, creating a haunting narrative set in the deceptive tranquility of Henley’s Edge. LaRocca crafts a story that not only delves deep into the human psyche but also explores the profound impact of otherness in a world marred by bigotry and homophobia.

At the heart of the narrative are two compelling, interwoven stories. First, we have Ghost Everling, a grieving widower grappling with the loss of his wife and unborn child. Ghost’s journey is a poignant exploration of grief and the supernatural, as he encounters the enigmatic Heart Crowley. Crowley's introduction into Ghost's life opens up a pathway to understanding the town's dark secrets, including the unsettling disappearances that plague Henley’s Edge. Ghost’s story is beautifully written, capturing the essence of loss and the desperation to find meaning in the inexplicable.

Parallel to Ghost's narrative is the story of Nadeem Malik, a gay police officer, and his husband Brett. Their experiences in Henley’s Edge are a stark depiction of the violence and prejudice faced by LGBTQ individuals. LaRocca doesn’t shy away from portraying the brutal realities of homophobia, making their story a powerful commentary on the societal challenges the queer community faces. Despite the darkness they encounter, Nadeem and Brett's love and resilience shine through, offering a beacon of hope amidst the despair.

LaRocca’s prose is both elegant and accessible, weaving these two narratives together with a skill that keeps the reader engaged and invested. The author’s ability to portray complex emotions and the subtleties of human (and inhuman) interactions is exceptional.

As the stories of Ghost and Nadeem converge, LaRocca masterfully brings together the themes of loss, otherness, and the fight against pervasive evil. The climax is not only a resolution of the novel's mysteries but also a profound statement on the endurance of the human spirit against overwhelming odds.

"Everything the Darkness Eats" is reflection on the human condition, the pain of loss, and the relentless struggle against societal evils. It’s a testament to LaRocca's skill as a storyteller and his ability to craft narratives that are as thought-provoking as they are moving. This book is a fantastic horro-read for anyone who appreciates emotionally resonant storytelling, especially those interested in LGBTQ themes and the exploration of grief and otherness in modern society.

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Review: Twelve Nights with Viola & Olivia, by Lady Vanessa S.-G., edited by Hannah Miyamoto, 2023

Twelve Nights with Viola & Olivia by Lady Vanessa S.-G., 2023
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

"Twelve Nights With Viola & Olivia," was an unexpected journey for me. I'm not typically the target audience for books heavy on Shakespearean flair or explicit sapphic themes, but there were parts of this book that really stood out to me.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is not the story itself but the reader's guide in the foreword. This guide delves into the complexities of social rank and grammar during Shakespeare's era, shedding light on the intricate use of personal pronouns and their meanings based on one's social standing. The guide includes a detailed table outlining each rank and its corresponding territorial right, enhancing the reader's understanding of the societal framework within which the story unfolds. This exploration of language, particularly the nuanced use of pronouns like "Thou," "Thee," "Ye," "Thy," "Thine," and "Sirrah," reveals much about the characters' relationships and their relative social ranks. It's a fascinating study, though it can be somewhat perplexing, especially when considering the dual implications of certain pronouns, which can denote intimacy or animosity.

The structure of the novel is like each chapter playing out a scene from a play. I found it helpful to take a moment after each chapter to reflect on what had happened, which really helped me connect with the characters and their arcs, particulary that the plot plays heavily with mistaken identities.

Speaking of characters, while the novel includes gay men in its cast, they seem more peripheral to the main storyline. Their presence feels ancillary, and I suspect they might not receive much more depth in the upcoming installment, given the novel's focus on the titular characters, Viola and Olivia. The heterosexual characters, though not explicitly labeled as such, are implied to be part of the general populace, particularly among the lower social ranks. 

One scene that really stands out is with Maria, the chambermaid. The author's attention to detail here is something else – it's quite a vivid and immersive description and will most likely titillate some groups of readers moreso than than others.

"Twelve Nights With Viola & Olivia" is a novel that might cater more to a niche audience, particularly those with an affinity for Shakespearean language and sapphic themes. However, its exploration of historical linguistics and social hierarchy provides an interesting lens through which to view the narrative, offering something of value even to those outside its target demographic.

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Review: Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle, 2023

Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chuck Tingle's "Camp Damascus" invites readers into a world where the absurd intertwines with the horrific, crafting a narrative that is as darkly humorous as it is chillingly reflective of real-world traumas within the LGBTQIA+ community. The story, set against the eerie backdrop of Neverton and the sinister Kingdom of the Pine sect, unfolds through the eyes of Rose, whose journey through supernatural horrors and self-discovery forms the crux of this unique tale.

The plot twists managed to hold my interest, weaving through unexpected turns and revealing secrets that kept me on the edge of my seat. However, the climactic reveal, while undoubtedly fantastical, teetered on the brink of being too absurd for my taste. I found myself wishing for either a dash more of Tingle’s renowned absurdity to tip the scales towards a humorously surreal ending or a slightly more grounded resolution.

As someone with friends who have endured the real-life horrors of religious gay conversion camps, the
LGBTQIA+ themes within "Camp Damascus" resonated. The supernatural horrors experienced by Rose mirror the tangible nightmares endured by many, providing a poignant, albeit fantastical, reflection of such experiences. The question that lingered for me was whether the supernatural lens amplified the emotional impact.

Tingle’s writing, with its dark humor and easy-to-digest prose, manages to guide readers through a story that, while embedded in dark and serious themes, occasionally lightens the atmosphere with playful nudges of absurdity. The blend of dark themes and humor created a unique tone.

In conclusion, "Camp Damascus" offers a thought-provoking and uniquely engaging reading experience, even if it doesn’t, for me, fully hit the mark in balancing its absurdity and horror. It reflects poignant themes through a lens that is distinctly Tingle’s own, providing a narrative that is both a mirror and a window into the traumas and supernatural horrors within its pages.

A Twist Too Far, Or Not Far Enough?

The plot, with its unexpected twists and turns, manages to keep readers on their toes, navigating through the eerie town of Neverton and the sinister undertones of the Kingdom of the Pine sect. However, the climactic reveal, which catapults the narrative into realms of the fantastical and absurd, may leave readers perched on a precipice of disbelief. For some, the extremity of the absurdity might teeter towards humor, while for others, it may fall short of achieving a comedic or satirical impact. Could a dash more of Tingle’s renowned absurdity have tipped the scales towards a more humorously surreal ending?

Anchoring Fiction to Reality

The LGBTQIA+ themes embedded within "Camp Damascus" resonate on a deeply personal level, especially for those familiar with the tangible horrors of religious gay conversion camps. The

supernatural horrors experienced by Rose, the protagonist, mirror the real-life nightmares endured by many within the queer community, providing a poignant anchor to the otherwise fantastical elements of the story. Does the supernatural lens through which these themes are explored amplify the emotional impact, or does it risk diluting the stark reality of such experiences?

A Darkly Humorous Narrative

Tingle’s writing, with its undercurrents of dark humor, oscillates between subtlety and blatancy, crafting a narrative that is as engaging as it is easy to digest. The flow of the prose guides readers through a story that, while embedded in dark and serious themes, occasionally winks at the audience with its playful nudges of absurdity. How does this blend of dark themes and humor impact the overall tone of the book, and does it enhance or undermine the gravity of the issues being explored?

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Review: Yellow Jessamine, by Caitlin Starling, 2020

Yellow Jessamine by Caitlin Starling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Yellow Jessamine, by Caitlin Starling, 2020

Yellow Jessamine is a fantasy horror novella with sapphic undertones that started strong. The atmospheric details, creepy vibes, and strong plot teased for a fantastic ending but ended up venturing into the "left field."

I enjoyed this intense novella-- filled with fierce lesbians, poisonous herbal gardens, and a mysterious creepy sickness; it's a have-to-read book.

I rate this novella 4.25 out of 5 stars.

"Evelyn Perdanu is a shipping magnate, the only living survivor of her family. She walks the city veiled and hidden away from the eyes of those around her. Her country is slowly dying, rotting away like food left out to spoil. Arriving from her last voyage, she discovers that a plague has visited her city, which is traced back to her crew. They act erratically and slip into catatonia. She begins to investigate the plague as much for the city's sake and those in it as for her own company and family name. What she finds is complicated and horrific." -- from the book jacket

#YellowJessamine #CaitlinStarling #LGBTQ

 

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Review: Light From Uncommon Stars, by Ryka Aoki, 2021

Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Light From Uncommon Stars, by Ryka Aoki, 2021

This novel ticks a lot of boxes for me; diverse LGBTQIA+ characters, science-fiction, a Faustian deal with the devil, Asian culture and characters, a touch of fantasy, Star Trek and Stargate references, purple aliens, chosen family, immigrant culture, violins, and multiple cities in Los Angeles' San Gabriel Valley (referencing Monterey Park, Temple City, El Sereno, etc.). 

The story centers around Katrina, a runaway transgender youth who ends up in the care of Shizuka in the San Gabrel Valley area of Los Angeles. Shizuka mentors Katrina's prodigal talents with the violin while helping her navigate growing up transgender. Then there's a starship masquerading as a donut shop captained by Lan Tran and her crew, which includes a hologram who eventually gets a "mobile emitter"  (Star Trek reference).

At first, I wasn't sure how a Faustian deal with a demon on Earth would work in a science-fiction setting with aliens embroiled in some galactic battle. Still, the author made all these seemingly disparate components work together and flow into a beautifully knitted fabric.

The book is just lovely and terrific all around, and I rate it 4.93 stars out of 5.00 stars.

From Wikipedia:

Shizuka Satomi is the world's best violin teacher, known for coaching virtuosos who meet tragic ends. Years ago, she struck a deal with a demon that she would deliver seven souls to hell. To do this, she coaches ambitious violin students, then offers them fame and renown in exchange for their souls. Satomi has delivered six souls already, and with a year left on her contract, she needs one more student. She finds that student in Katrina Nguyen, a young transgender prodigy with little formal training.

As Satomi teaches Nguyen, she also meets Lan Tran, a starship captain and refugee disguised as a doughnut shop owner, who has brought her family to Earth to escape war and a deadly plague. The two strike up a tenuous flirtation, but their budding romance is imperiled by Satomi's deal with the demon and Tran's tumultuous galactic past.

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Review: The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle, 2021

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle, by Matt Cain 2021

The book is an endearing novel about an elderly postman's "coming out story" at such a late age in life set in today's times. Albert is about to retire from the postal service and realizes he hasn't lived much of a life at all. He decides to come out and search for an old flame from nearly 50 years ago to rekindle the fire.

There are plenty of books covering "coming out stories." What sets this one apart is the age of the main character. Albert is in his mid-sixties, never had a boyfriend, and spent almost all his life toiling at work-- his life was his work. When he receives news of his upcoming retirement, he realizes he hasn't done much outside of work and goes through a life crisis. So he embarks on a journey to find his long lost "almost-boyfriend" from almost half a century ago to rekindle the flame- to have a chance to have a life with love.

Though some parts and characters are a bit unrealistic, the story is endearing, told from an interesting point of view, and generally uplifting. My only complaint is that some parts were unnecessarily too long, and with some edits targeting for concision, the book could be a third shorter than its current length and may flow better.

I rate this book 3.85 out of 5 stars.

#LGBTQIA #MattCain #AlbertEntwhistle #ComingOut #Pride

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Review: Rubyfruit Jungle

Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

RubyFruit Jungle, Rita Mae Brown, 1973

Not the book I expected, but glad it turned out so. Don't let the words  "feminism" and "lesbianism" others use to describe this novella be the main deciding factor if you want to pick this book up or set it back down. Yes, it's a coming-of-age story of a poverty-stricken lesbian; yes, there is lesbian sex, and yes, there is a lot of talk of vaginas (see title). But it's so much more than that. It's an autobiographical novel written in 1973 and considered remarkable in its day for its explicit portrayal of lesbianism. The filter of time hasn't "dated" the writing or the subject matters. If anything, it was ahead of its time and maintained relevance in today's landscape of equality (job).

The book starts with an outrageous scene with mischief only kids can cook up. From there until halfway through the book, we follow Molly, the main character, through her teen years into adulthood. And it wasn't until then that I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I was delighted and giddy with some chapters and laughed loudly at others.

I rate this book 4.85 out of 5.00 stars.

#feminism #lesbianism #lgbtq

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Review: "Shuggie Bain", by Douglas Stuart, 2021

Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you read this book and feel nothing, you're probably dead inside.

It's a heartbreaking story of a young son's love of his alcoholic mother. Set in the 1980s in Glasgow, precocious and young Shuggie Bain struggles to care for his mother Agnes as she descends into the depths of alcoholism. It is also a story of Shuggie's discovery of his sexuality eclipsed in the backdrop of Agnes' addiction.

It is a pretty long book, about 900 pages, and spends almost the first half setting up characters, environments, and lulling me into the bane of the characters' existence and with little mention of Shuggie. 

Once we got into the book's second half, it was nonstop tears for me. It was an emotional roller coaster through and through. Simultaneous tears of joy and sadness dripped from my eyes. The story evoked such profound feelings from me, caused me to reconsider my positions on certain subjects, and most of all gave a glimpse of what life might have been like for someone who experienced the hardships they endured growing up with an alcoholic mother.

While the book is fiction, the author draws heavily from his own experiences growing up. Shuggie Bain is Douglas Stuart's debut novel and is a 2020 Booker Prize winner (among other awards lists). The audiobook version is absolutely captivating with its reader's performance. I don't have an ear for The Scottish accent, so I had to listen actively. Prose coupled with Scottish slang from the 1980s, understanding specific passages was challenging for me. I ended up getting the Kindle version as well so that I could go back to the portions I did not audibly understand and re-read for comprehension.

I love this story so much, in a way that one can love a heartbreaking story I suppose, that I ended up buying the audiobook and Kindle ebook for someone. I'm a little sad that I have to return this loan to the public library, but I'm also happy that I'm returning this to the public library so that someone else can enjoy this story. There is a hardbound book with the author's signature that I've got my eye on now.

I rate this book 5 out 5 stars.

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