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mxsallybend's review
3.0
Becoming is a beautiful story that caresses the imagination with the gentleness of a warm ocean breeze. It’s a simple tale of coming out, finding acceptance, and (most importantly) finding love. Far more romantic than it is erotic, it’s the kind of story that tugs at your emotions and stays with you long after you’ve savoured the last page. Considering the fact that the story begins with a suicide, it’s remarkable just how uplifting it ultimately is.
Ninion enters the story as a nameless young man who is reborn through an act of self-sacrifice. In condemning himself to the sea, he pledges himself to the Lady of the Waters – and unknowingly commits himself to salvation through her. Quiet, shy, and clearly tormented by feelings he can’t admit to (much less discuss) his character is largely defined by the mystery of what drove him to suicide. While the mystery is certainly part of what kept me reading, it’s his hidden pain that endeared him to me. It isn’t until those memories finally surface, and Olenwe proves to him that the shame of his father need not define him, that he truly comes alive... but it’s worth the wait.
As a frustrated guide to a new way of life, Olenwe initially comes across as difficult and confrontational. He’s not a bully – in fact, he takes every opportunity to shelter and protect Ninion – but he’s larger in size and strength, and is definitely hard on the young man. As their tentative friendship develops, however, so does his longing for the shy young virgin. While the other taleve question his true intentions, suggesting other sexual partners, Olenwe remains true to the sincerity of his affections. In sharing his own feelings of shame, he provides Ninion with the hope of acceptance, and in so boldly demonstrating his love, he opens Ninion to the idea that love between men can be just as pure and honourable as the marriage of a man and a woman.
While there are certainly erotic moments in Becoming, they are deliberately soft-core and a part of the romance, as opposed to being simply an excuse for titillation. Ninion’s journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance is slow and subtle, and went on just long enough to make me share Olenwe’s anxiety. By the time the two young men ultimately came together, I was as relieved for myself as I was pleased for them. This is a simply and beautifully written story that left me eager to return to the world of the water lovers.
DISCLAIMER: This book was received from the publisher for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine online.
Ninion enters the story as a nameless young man who is reborn through an act of self-sacrifice. In condemning himself to the sea, he pledges himself to the Lady of the Waters – and unknowingly commits himself to salvation through her. Quiet, shy, and clearly tormented by feelings he can’t admit to (much less discuss) his character is largely defined by the mystery of what drove him to suicide. While the mystery is certainly part of what kept me reading, it’s his hidden pain that endeared him to me. It isn’t until those memories finally surface, and Olenwe proves to him that the shame of his father need not define him, that he truly comes alive... but it’s worth the wait.
As a frustrated guide to a new way of life, Olenwe initially comes across as difficult and confrontational. He’s not a bully – in fact, he takes every opportunity to shelter and protect Ninion – but he’s larger in size and strength, and is definitely hard on the young man. As their tentative friendship develops, however, so does his longing for the shy young virgin. While the other taleve question his true intentions, suggesting other sexual partners, Olenwe remains true to the sincerity of his affections. In sharing his own feelings of shame, he provides Ninion with the hope of acceptance, and in so boldly demonstrating his love, he opens Ninion to the idea that love between men can be just as pure and honourable as the marriage of a man and a woman.
While there are certainly erotic moments in Becoming, they are deliberately soft-core and a part of the romance, as opposed to being simply an excuse for titillation. Ninion’s journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance is slow and subtle, and went on just long enough to make me share Olenwe’s anxiety. By the time the two young men ultimately came together, I was as relieved for myself as I was pleased for them. This is a simply and beautifully written story that left me eager to return to the world of the water lovers.
DISCLAIMER: This book was received from the publisher for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine online.
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