A review by adhesivedolphin
The Meadows by Stephanie Oakes

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective medium-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

5.0

I cried during this one in the best way. The trauma that the characters experience early in the novel and where that takes them in their lives is heartbreaking. But it's also deeply loving of the queer experience and the truth of who we are. To its strength, this book never uses words like lesbian, queer or trans-- we just experience people who are these things. The idea that removing language can't change who we truly are was a beautiful concept executed perfectly.