Possum Book Corner: Lakelore by Anna-Marie McLemore
Lakelore is such a magical book. I don't even know where to start. Every aspect of it is a treat. There's the magical realism and beautiful prose revealing a magical world under the lake. That alone would be enough--reading it fills me with joy, awe and delight in the best way. Yet this is somehow the weakest part of the book
The story truly shines through its two main characters, Bastian and Lore. Both characters are Mexican American and are transgender, using they/them pronouns. Each one also has a disability that shapes their day-to-day life and fills them with shame. Their unique existence has left them broken people full of trauma. This is the story of their relationship with each other and how they begin to accept themselves and heal.
For full disclosure I also have ADHD, a learning disorder and am gender fluid prefering they/ them pronouns. Even more, I was filled with so much self loathing. I struggled to function for years…until I met a person who completes me in a way Lore and Bastian complete each other. This book explains feelings and concepts I have struggled for years to put in words. It has helped me understand things about myself I couldn't understand.
Lore and Bastian's relationship with each other is one I'm not sure I've seen in a piece of media, well, ever. They heal each other not by fixing the other one, or sympathizing with each other. Rather they understand and accept one another without pity or sadness. Sure, Bastian has ADHD and Lore dyslexia. But these disabilities are the very fabric of who they are as a person. And they like each other's fabric. I never quite realized this dynamic full of quiet acceptance is something I craved. It's through this non judgemental acceptance of each other they learn to accept themselves.
Supporting these two are a cast of characters that are vibrant and interesting. Any one of them could carry a story as a main character, even if they only exists briefly in the story.
Absolutely enchanting and life-changing book for me.