Book Review: When the Moon was Ours

When the Moon Was Ours
by Anna-Marie McLemore
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In the world of "magical realism" or "low fantasy", When the Moon Was Ours stands out as unique. It could be interpreted as a modern day fairy tale - but one which tackles issues of child abuse and gender identity that others have only rarely explored in this, or any other medium.

The book follows the story of Miel, a girl who mysteriously showed up in town one day, who has roses that grow from her forearm and wrist, and Sam, the neighbor boy who's the only friend she has in the small town high school. In the story, Miel is being pursued by the Bonner sisters - four sisters who believe that the roses that grow from Miel's wrist could somehow, magically restore their status as the most sought-after girls in town. The plot line sounds simple enough, but between Miel's half-remembered past, the secrets that only she and Sam know, and the Bonner sisters' ruthless determination - there's a lot more that's going on beneath the surface than meets the eye.

The style of prose for this story is very similar to traditional folk stories or fairy tales: a narrative voice, rather than an in-the-moment retelling. If I had to point to similar artistic influences, I would have to cite Kate DiCamillo's The Tale of Despereaux, or Grace Lin's Where the Mountain Meets the Moon - both books aimed at a much younger audience. I believe that this parallel was very much by intent.

Where the author diverges from the fairy tale tradition is in the narrator's awareness of the very real differences between the folk tale as it might be retold generations later - after it has been absolved of real world flaws, shortcomings and the scar tissue left behind - and the reality as it was experienced by those that lived through the "fairy tale".

The book has its fair share of tear-jerking moments - although I understand that for some the flowery, fairy tale prose might be a little off-putting at first. As was alluded to, trigger warnings are warranted. This book touches on issues of child abuse and gender identity that some readers might be uncomfortable with. The book nonetheless paints a modern day, fairy tale portrait of our world, and some of the realities that not everyone has yet come to terms with.