When the Moon Was Ours

by Anna-Marie McLemore

[layawaydragon]

Trigger Warning: Attempted Suicide, Outing Blackmail.

Superstition. Bigotry. Magic. Freedom. There is a price for everything. What would you pay?

The Gist:
➔Cover Love
➔Beautiful, descriptive, emotional writing
It sucks you in like a lullaby but it’s not soothing lies and nonsense syllables. This is truth, acceptables, courage, and love amid people’s harsh and ugly actions.
➔I loved the descriptions of Sam’s moons.
➔Miel + Sam are awesome people and make a great couple.
➔The pull between them and push of their secrets is convincing and compelling.
➔Each POV is on point as is their switching.
➔Their relationship had me squealing and screaming in equal measure.
➔Sam and his mother’s background is seamlessly incorporated, and impeccably researched.
There should be no question how they ended up in this town, in this circumstance. I appreciate how their religion and cultural norms are there but the narrative doesn’t make it a big deal deal. It’s just there like everything else. It’s, dare I say it, normal.
➔ The forward, dedication, and afterword should be read and felt.
➔The Bonner Girls are the “It” Girls, the Mean Girls
but it’s far more nuanced and understanding than the typical high school drama. Their relationships are complex, their secrets understandable, their actions deplorable. Magic they may hold, but human they be.
➔Loved Miel + Sam’s family. Supportive works in progress.
➔Loved the mystery of what happened to Miel and her previous family before the water tower.
➔And the tension waiting for the Bonner girls to strike.
➔The pacing felt languid with the language and the different issues coming into play but it’s an enjoyable, inspiring, compelling, heart-racing
➔Everything has a purpose and point that come together beautifully in the end.
➔Unexpected and unpredictable. I was honestly surprised yet it felt right the whole way through. It was meant to be, but I didn’t know what was meant until it happened.
➔Most compelling argument for “it’s better to have loved and lost, than never loved at all” from an unusual direction with the teacher/administrator getting her heartbreak removed like moles
➔It weaves secrets and lies, internal and external, as they are stumbling along their own path to finding their truth. Yet it’s not a lecture or shove, but a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
Bigotry and superstition are present and Sam’s secret being exposed is a huge part of the story but it’s not about them. They’re background like Sam and his support is the focus.
➔It is about love, but it’s thankfully not trite “it’ll make everything alright” or “love conquers all”. It’s about how love and fear of losing love affects everyone.
➔There is hope and happiness but the internal struggle and the external one against society is not glossed over. It’s sweet and cute and admirable. Not saccharine, not bittersweet but a healthy inbetween.



Magical Realism: Accepting the Woman Down the Street Can Take Away Heartbreak Without Question


I have not read much magical realism but the trend is for me to be highly confused at first. I want explanations and magic systems for solid logical footing, examination and continuity.

Magical Realism is not like fantasy or paranormals where these are common staples authors ignore at their own peril. Magical realism requires faith that I do not have and trust that I am loathe to give out blindly. And yet..

When The Moon was Ours was one of the best books I’ve ever read. Not despite my issues and initial innate struggling, but because of it. I have found an entirely new genre that requires my full attention, my imagination, cooperation, and adjustment, captures my heart and defies my every expectation. I can never guess what happens next because this world is not my own. I am a guest, invited in but it must be understood and respected.

I am expanding my mind, learning much about other people, cultures as well as myself. It is exhilarating and heartening that I’ve met such a chance head on and enjoyed every minute of it in her skilled hands.


If you’d like to learn more about Magical Realism, I found this online paper very helpful:
http://rwwsoundings.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/websterpaperrev1.pdf


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Update #2: My very last read of 2016 and what a way to go! This was absolutely fantastic and a great way to end the shit show of '16 in a beautiful way. I'll start writing the review now but I couldn't wait to update my shelves with this happy.

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Update #1: YESSS! I won a copy in a Goodreads giveaway! I can't wait to read it. Will update ASAP. :D