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cal_the_queer 's review for:
Somewhere Beyond the Sea
by TJ Klune
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Somewhere Beyond the Sea has just as many feel-good moments as The House in the Cerulean Sea, if not more -- I probably teared up at least 10 different times.
However, this sequel dives more deeply into the institutional and historical roots of oppression, and the impacts of the resulting traumas on both individuals and communities. Both books emphasize the power of forming small pockets of safe spaces to heal within a world of persecution, but in Somewhere Beyond the Sea, the characters additionally take steps to dismantle systems of oppression.
It's worth addressing the criticism the author received for drawing inspiration from the historical and ongoing genocide of First Nations people by the Canadian government. In particular, Cerulean has been criticized as a white savior narrative, and for the allegory of magical ability as race coming across as simultaneously trivializing native peoples and othering them as non-human. These critiques are not unfounded. At the same time, I believe the sequel effectively addresses at least two of these issues: First, the centering of a magical character as narrator emphasizes that while allyship is valuable, oppressed people are in the best position to understand their struggles and needs, and are quite capable on their own; second, the explicit and implicit references to oppression and abuse make clear that there is no whimsy in trauma.
Ultimately, while The Cerulean Chronicles initially appear to be only fairytales where love conquers all, the second installment reveals the underlying darkness.
Is it fancifully optimistic wish fulfillment? Yes. Are the characters all wise beyond their years and incredibly emotionally intelligent / well emotionally regulated despite having barely begun to heal from their trauma? Yes.
And so what?
However, this sequel dives more deeply into the institutional and historical roots of oppression, and the impacts of the resulting traumas on both individuals and communities. Both books emphasize the power of forming small pockets of safe spaces to heal within a world of persecution, but in Somewhere Beyond the Sea, the characters additionally take steps to dismantle systems of oppression.
It's worth addressing the criticism the author received for drawing inspiration from the historical and ongoing genocide of First Nations people by the Canadian government. In particular, Cerulean has been criticized as a white savior narrative, and for the allegory of magical ability as race coming across as simultaneously trivializing native peoples and othering them as non-human. These critiques are not unfounded. At the same time, I believe the sequel effectively addresses at least two of these issues: First, the centering of a magical character as narrator emphasizes that while allyship is valuable, oppressed people are in the best position to understand their struggles and needs, and are quite capable on their own; second, the explicit and implicit references to oppression and abuse make clear that there is no whimsy in trauma.
Ultimately, while The Cerulean Chronicles initially appear to be only fairytales where love conquers all, the second installment reveals the underlying darkness.
Is it fancifully optimistic wish fulfillment? Yes. Are the characters all wise beyond their years and incredibly emotionally intelligent / well emotionally regulated despite having barely begun to heal from their trauma? Yes.
And so what?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Xenophobia, Grief, Abandonment
Minor: Physical abuse, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury