The story of a Black gay man struggling with reconciliation with his homophobic father after his passing. This was written in the style of a memoir, and it’s pulled off so well I found myself forgetting it was fictional.

This was a deeply moving story about the nuances in us all, as we are hurt and in turn hurt others while trying to do the best we can. Isaac journeys from hatred of his father to a painful understanding of him, going back into his past to see all the ways in which his father tried, and the ways he failed. It culminates in him creating a fictional story to help him explore his father’s trauma and identity. 

It also explores Isaac’s own journey into his identity and consciousness, as both personal and news events shape him and his growing understanding of the world. From fading in and out of closeting his queer identity to figuring out what it means to embrace it, and his various experiences with others stumbling through their own way. 

It was such a beautiful exploration of identity, intergenerational trauma, family, and reconciliation. 

I only learned the author published a different book before this one, from Isaac’s father’s point of view, after I started reading, and I’m excited to read about the other side.