Greetings, guys, gals, and non-binary pals! In case you’re not aware, I’ve been doing more bookish content and book reviews over on Youtube, if you’d like to check it out. This review is included in my May Wrap-Up video.
Full disclosure, I was given advance access to the audiobook form of this novel on NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. The title image to the left is an affiliate link to the book’s Amazon page. Anticipated publication date is September 28, 2021.
Firstly, I rather enjoyed the book. The characters are engaging, there is diverse representation, and while the story is set in 1909, the author very intentionally disregarded the blatant homophobia of the era so that the book's queer characters could fully embrace their happiness, rather than focusing on their pain. Also, I enjoyed the swapping perspectives between our main characters, Jack and Will, each narrating alternating chapters.
While period-typical homophobia seems mostly absent, racism is shown through the actions of some of the rather toxic characters. As with homophobia, racism and sexism were approached with a largely modern lens. It works for the narrative but does lend the story a bit of an alternate-reality feeling at times. Also there's magic.
That being said, the book starts rather dark and continues in that vein for about the first half of the narrative, especially with Will's narration. Things get better, but there is discussion of abuse, neglect, and poisoning or drugging, depending on how you look at it.
Content Warnings: Manipulation and abuse by a "parental" figure, past kidnapping, discussions of racism Note: All of the above are addressed directly in the text.
Spoiler warning: It was a bit odd that things seem to be more or less cleanly resolved by the end of the book, the characters moving on to other adventures. Perhaps that was because the author was aiming for a lighter, happier read. I know different people process things differently, but it was interesting how after years of repeat trauma and abuse, the author dropped the curtain at the point when the characters are safe to start healing. I understand the choice. The boys need a win after what they’ve experienced.
Overall, I rather enjoyed the story and look forward to reading other books by this author. I ended up giving Before We Disappear 4 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐