A Book A Week

I love it when a book genuinely surprises me, especially since reading so many each year makes those moments rare. That's why TJ Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea was such a delightful discovery when I picked it up earlier this year. Although I don't usually gravitate toward fantasy and was wary of the hype surrounding Klune's 2020 novel, it proved to be one of the most heartwarming and life-affirming books I've ever read. The quirky tale of a home for magical children touched me in unexpected ways, leaving me eager for more. With Klune returning for a sequel, he's hoping to recapture that magic and surprise readers all over again.

How far would you go to protect your family? Arthur Parnassus understands the importance of a nurturing environment. As an orphan himself, he witnessed the lasting impact of neglect and abuse on a child's life. This drove him to dedicate his life to caring for orphaned magical children on his island, providing them with a home full of learning, acceptance, and, most importantly, love. Alongside his partner Linus, Arthur is determined to shield his kids from harm. But given their unique abilities, that protection is anything but simple. That's why Arthur has agreed to testify before a government committee, hoping to prove just how ordinary his life and their home truly are.

Arthur and Linus walk into the hearing, fully aware that Arthur's past might be challenging to relive but hopeful that it will help prove that he and his family are nothing to fear. However, as the questioning begins, it becomes clear that the government's agenda is far from sincere. Instead of a fair inquiry, the hearing is designed to provoke Arthur, incite a reaction, and demonstrate that magical beings are dangerous. The confrontation escalates, ending in chaos, with the authorities calling for a new investigation into the island and the children who live there, framing them as threats to society. This isn't new for Arthur. He's faced the same hateful rhetoric his whole life. But he also knows how powerful hate can be. Now, determined to protect his family, he prepares to lead a fight for the future that both his loved ones and all magical beings deserve.

If The House in the Cerulean Sea was about finding your tribe—the people and place where you can be your true self, whether you're a gay man, a garden gnome, or even the antichrist—then Somewhere Beyond the Sea deepens that theme. It delves into the fragile nature of that sense of belonging, particularly for those outside societal norms, and highlights the challenges marginalized groups face in safeguarding their place in the world. TJ Klune dedicates this novel to the trans community and, in his author's note, identifies himself as the "anti-JK Rowling." He crafts a story that not only celebrates those considered "other" but also reminds us that, despite our differences, we have more in common than we realize.

In recent years, we've seen rising hostility toward the LGBTQ+ community, with harmful legislation and rhetoric gaining traction. Yet, as Klune's novel reminds us, the antidote to hate is something simple and powerful: love. Through his quiet, profound storytelling, Klune shows that humor, empathy, and love are universal languages that resonate with most people. Somewhere Beyond the Sea continues his mission to give voice to underrepresented communities, all without being preachy or alienating. It's a story I found myself completely immersed in, allowing the characters and message to wash over me in an authentic and understated way. Klune's work is a testament to love and acceptance, and it's heartening to see him continue to spread that message in a world that desperately needs it. I hope he keeps sharing stories like this for years to come.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 69)