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A review by c_ab_bage
Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo
5.0
i’m not even sure i’m capable of putting into words the deep way this story grasped me and drew me into its clutches. the atmosphere permeated the pages and while i couldn’t quite pinpoint exactly what built it up, that hazy, classic, southern gothic aura settled right into my bones.
and speaking of permeating the pages: the homoeroticism runs deep with this one. i distinctly remember multiple points where i set the book down and thought to myself, “this isn’t even that queer? but i feel like i’m intruding on a moment?” there was this feeling of tension, especially sexual tension, in moments where, had they occurred in any other book, i would’ve written them off as platonic or unimportant. but something about this cast of characters with their specific connections and nuances had every interaction feeling layered and deeply fraught with queerness. i loved it.
i had expected to enjoy this book (i know my tastes and queer horror is at the top of the list), but really didn’t anticipate the way it hooked me. i savored every moment of summer sons and found myself constantly looking forward to the next time i could pick it up. “enchanted” feels too lighthearted for this particular book, but “spellbound” fits better. i was utterly spellbound by this book.
and speaking of permeating the pages: the homoeroticism runs deep with this one. i distinctly remember multiple points where i set the book down and thought to myself, “this isn’t even that queer? but i feel like i’m intruding on a moment?” there was this feeling of tension, especially sexual tension, in moments where, had they occurred in any other book, i would’ve written them off as platonic or unimportant. but something about this cast of characters with their specific connections and nuances had every interaction feeling layered and deeply fraught with queerness. i loved it.
i had expected to enjoy this book (i know my tastes and queer horror is at the top of the list), but really didn’t anticipate the way it hooked me. i savored every moment of summer sons and found myself constantly looking forward to the next time i could pick it up. “enchanted” feels too lighthearted for this particular book, but “spellbound” fits better. i was utterly spellbound by this book.