written by Sophie
This is an unconventional YA novel that is rooted in myth, fairy tale, and Shakespeare. Set in 1990s Portland, Oregon, through a magical realistic lens. Ther’s A LOT here, including a large, diverse rainbow cast of characters, parent-child relationship tension, sibling relationship tension, falling in love for the first time, finding your feet, and much more. And everyone is gorgeous in their own way and very, very cool. And kind.
It was a bit too much for me, to be honest. Because there is so much going on I never really connected with the book. And I was a teen in the early 1990s, too – but my word I was never this suave. Especially not in my awkwardness. Also, I was never a theater kid, really (jock to my marrow), so that was another layer I missed.
Still, it is not your average YA, and that’s to be cherished. If you love myths and fairy tales and don’t mind somewhat over-the-top plots twists there’s a lot to love here.
N.B.: This review was first published on Instagram by @sophie_bookseller
