Queer as Folklore by Sacha Coward

Publication date: August 2024
LGBTQ+ author? Queer
Setting: Non-fiction

Queer As Folklore explores how different characters in mostly Western folklore have queer roots, from vampires to unicorns to mermaids. It’s incredibly thoroughly researched and uncovers many queer connections I had no idea existed.

This should delight, but for me, it falls flat.

The book reads more like a research paper than a book. Each subject is only given a few pages which means the book is expansive in its scope but shallow. Immediately after reading a section, I would not be able to repeat back to you what I had learned.

I think what’s missing for my learning style is some sort of compelling story. Perhaps a story about each character that would stick with you? Or some overarching themes for the book that we are moving towards?

If you’re more of a fact than story person, this would be the perfect book for you. This book was entirely crowd funded, so it will likely have a lot of eager readers!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.