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A review by littlebookterror
Structural Integrity by Tabitha O’Connell
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Structural Integrity is a novella that explores class and power dynamics in this queernormative world where we skip between the past and the present as two men navigate their relationship.
Trans messenger boy Kel is from a lower class and first meets Yaan working on government ground when he is working. Yaan is older, head of the property department, and interested in finding a new lover. In small snippets, we are introduced to Kel's current living situation (he no longer needs to work, living with Yaan) and see moments of the past as to how we got here. I also loved the subtle nods that Kel is on the asexuality spectrum - how he favours to be on the giving side and is equally happy just being physically close.
It's unique in the sense that what could be a simple romantic/sexual encounter that grew into a relationship, that is not all that's at play here. Kel is still very much connected to his family and visits his parents almost daily. He seems uncomfortable in his new clothes and has stopped eating despite being hungry, he is restless but unwilling to put his feelings into words and speak up. Yaan who is dealing with his own anxiety regarding his job (and maybe some relationship hangups) is blind to the situation and doesn't notice the tension in their relationship. It all comes to the surface when the theatre building in Kel's neighborhood is scheduled be torn down and replaced.
The chapters and time snippets are short, it gives the story a fast pace and a snappy rhythm that helps you keep the momentum. I loved how all these tiny moments added up to build a fuller picture of the two main characters and filled in their world when necessary.
I do feel the actual climax of the story fell a little flat for me. The solution for their argument was a little obvious but I actually minded a bit more that the underlying root of the problem was not fully adrdessed in the text. I wanted a bit more conversation or at least an acknowledgment that they needed to work on that - not a confession.
I liked their dynamic so much but I felt the romantic ending was not entirely earned. Very interested to see where the sequel(s) will take me.
I received an advanced reading copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Trans messenger boy Kel is from a lower class and first meets Yaan working on government ground when he is working. Yaan is older, head of the property department, and interested in finding a new lover. In small snippets, we are introduced to Kel's current living situation (he no longer needs to work, living with Yaan) and see moments of the past as to how we got here. I also loved the subtle nods that Kel is on the asexuality spectrum - how he favours to be on the giving side and is equally happy just being physically close.
It's unique in the sense that what could be a simple romantic/sexual encounter that grew into a relationship, that is not all that's at play here. Kel is still very much connected to his family and visits his parents almost daily. He seems uncomfortable in his new clothes and has stopped eating despite being hungry, he is restless but unwilling to put his feelings into words and speak up. Yaan who is dealing with his own anxiety regarding his job (and maybe some relationship hangups) is blind to the situation and doesn't notice the tension in their relationship. It all comes to the surface when the theatre building in Kel's neighborhood is scheduled be torn down and replaced.
The chapters and time snippets are short, it gives the story a fast pace and a snappy rhythm that helps you keep the momentum. I loved how all these tiny moments added up to build a fuller picture of the two main characters and filled in their world when necessary.
I do feel the actual climax of the story fell a little flat for me. The solution for their argument was a little obvious but I actually minded a bit more that the underlying root of the problem was not fully adrdessed in the text. I wanted a bit more conversation or at least an acknowledgment that they needed to work on that - not a confession.
I liked their dynamic so much but I felt the romantic ending was not entirely earned. Very interested to see where the sequel(s) will take me.
I received an advanced reading copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism and Eating disorder
Minor: Alcohol
non-explicit sexual content