I love finding out new and interesting folklore, but learning more info into my queer folklore was perfect for me. We know how historians erase queer people from stories and history so this book will help others learn where original stories actually came from. I enjoyed how far and wide Sacha went with the stories, from folklore to true life, from one side of the globe to the other. This is definitely one I would love to pick up for my “coffee table” collection.

Thank you to NetGalley, Unbound and Sacha Coward for an ARC of this title!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sacha Coward for an ARC of this title!

Wow, this was such a fun and really informative read. I was so intrigued by the concept alone, and the material covered here did not disappoint! I think the exploration of queer identity in folklore was approached really well here in particular - in addition to thorough review of whatever historical records could reasonable be explored, I really like that the author tied in their own insights/personal experiences in the beginning/ends of chapters, and that they also interviewed other figures regarding the topics of each chapter. I also really liked how detailed they were in how they approached the exploration of queer folklore and their definition of "folklore" in context of the book. This was helpful in reframing the idea of TV shows, superheroes, etc. in "folklore" and really added some very good discussions to what could have been a shorter book.

I also think that "Queer as Folklore" does a tremendous job of exploring the queer history behind well-known characters in folklore (and, more interestingly, the people behind their development in some cases) without getting too into the nitty-gritty of specific legends (which would probably be an interesting second book with enough research), and without falling into the habit - as the author points out many times in the book - of "assigning" certain gender identities to specific characters, real or imagined. I think this really helps keep the discussion throughout the book in the realm of "academia" but also feels inclusive for people who may have differing thoughts/feelings on where a certain subject "belongs".

Overall, this was a very thoughtful and engaging look into the mythos of mythical creatures, that was both detailed enough for those who want to get into the background of certain figures, but is also approachable enough for the lay reader. It also includes an index of topics for those who may want to read about specific creatures, real-life persons, etc., so I think it would be a great reference work for those who are looking to learn more about specific topics. Fantastic job, and I will be buying this when it comes out!

I think the premise of the book is certainly interesting, and it did deliver on its promise to open my eyes as a reader to how Queer history and contemporary life is deeply intertwined with folklore. It was easy to digest and brought interesting perspective to today's Queer culture (at least how I experience it in the US).

I just think it was also difficult to enjoy for a few different reasons:

- The book aimed to focus on (mostly) European myth and folklore given the author's background as a European man (totally fair!). In parts where he did mention other region's similar myths to (rightly) acknowledge that Europeans weren't the only ones with a given type of myth, however, at times, the book felt read like a listicle of all the different countries that have X-type of creature. This led to some parts feeling overly long, and it didn't feel like these myths were engaged with at the same level.

- The book also felt unorganized in some sub-sections, with them just ending abruptly with no connection to the larger narrative in the chapter. This led to some of the connections between Queer people and folklore/myth feeling unbalanced in how flushed out they were.

- There was also a lot done to show 'both sides' of a person, even if they were truly terrible. One baffling sentence was as follows: "While there are very fair readings of him as a pure narcissist who led the way for future dangerous cults, as an anti-Semite, misogynistic abuser and instigator of conspiracy theories and pseudoscience, there are others that wish to celebrate him as a free-thinker and a sexual liberationist (pg. 121)."

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the eARC!

I was kicking myself for not contributing towards this during its Unbound campaign, and now that I've been able to read it, I wanna scream from the rooftops that this book is a delight. I'm like an appreciator of mythology more than I am an aficionado, and Sacha Coward makes much of the material incredibly approachable and easy to read. It's comprehensive without being overbearing, and covers more ground than I ever really expected (at least from the Unbound pitch).

I have to admit that I thought that this was going to be a book about Queer Fairytales. I was presently mistaken.
I very much enjoyed the history of the fairytale creatures and their stories and how they represent the queer community,
I will definitely be grabbing a hard copy of this once it comes out as it will be a fun addition to my library .

A triumphant examination of folklore and how queer our backstories are. It is easy to read with witty writing that feels like an old friend telling stories.

First of all, I love the title. This book dives into the ways in which queer people identify with and may feel represented by creatures from folklores and myth - folklore being stories of the common people. It’s broken down in sections by creature: mermaids, unicorns, werewolves/shapeshifters, vampires, etc. The book does a good job of talking about the history of these creatures in various parts of the world and how the creatures morphed into what we think of them as today. The argument that there is queer representation in these creatures is usually based on the idea of the creatures being “other.” Connections were also made in the gender bending or duality of some creatures and how nonbinary or trans people may resonate with these mythical creatures. I enjoyed reading about the origins and history of the creatures across time and place, but I did think some of the connections to queer people and queer identity could’ve been flushed out a bit more. Some sections were stronger than others. I enjoyed the images and artwork shown, especially in relation to historical “records” of the creatures. Overall, 4.25, would recommend to someone interested in queer representation or folklore in general.

"Queer as Folklore" is a nonfiction examination of the role of fairy tales, mythological legends, and other folklore mainstays has on queer subculture; it's alternately snappy and academic, with as many dense explanations as references to modern queer pop culture like RuPaul's Drag Race. I very much enjoyed this book; it absolutely was well-researched without being dull. I recommend it to anyone with an interest in oral history, forgotten history, and deliberately-surpressed history.

This was an immensely enjoyable work! The language is both inviting and accessible. Coward presents frames these myths in interesting ways, drawing parallels with modern culture. I couldn't put this down and it really tickled the queer child in my heart.

Throughly enjoyed the history alongside the parallels to modern culture presented in this book. I especially enjoyed the variety of folklore that was included. Well done!

An interesting premise and a very wide ranging read. From Ancient Greeks, mythology to David Bowie and Roald Dahl. The premise and links didn’t quite grab my attention. Not quite my cup of tea. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

This book is a history of folklore, myths, and legends from around the globe. This compilation of stories from the past and modern day, feature queer and subversive attributes. Folklore is the story of the common people. It can contain aspirations, fears, cautionary tales, and more. They can be influenced by politics, colonialism, and religion.

I enjoyed this book and learned quite a bit about common myths and monsters. The author doesn’t flinch away at any unsavory past. This book shows that queer people have always existed, and the history is vast and fascinating!

I recommend this read. I would love a coffee table version of this book with even more illustrations, because I found it so fascinating.

Thank you to Unbound and Net Galley for the ARC

As a Fan of Folklore, I enjoyed this easy to digest book that explores the myths and legends of the past and how they positively impact the LGBTQA+ community.

This was good. It was a bit long winded and I feel like some of the connections were a bit of a reach, but the writing style is good and there is a good variety of creatures from folklore

"Queer as Folklore" by Sacha Coward is a whirlwind tour through the rainbow-lit corridors of queer history. From ancient myths to the glittering runways of RuPaul's Drag Race, Coward digs up the buried treasures of storytelling and magic. With a keen eye and a cheeky grin, each chapter unearths the hidden gems of queer characters, weaving a tapestry of resilience and rebellion. With papier-mâché unicorns and drag queens in mermaid tails leading the charge, this book isn't just a celebration – it's a riotous parade of queer identity and pride. Coward's lively exploration is a must-read for anyone ready to dive into the fabulous, untamed waters of queer folklore.

Absolutely loved learning about queer history in folklore. I didn’t know so much was removed, hiding queer characters. But I’m glad this book exists, I feel like having this knowledge has added a little extra charm in my life.

I thought this book was so much fun to read. I love reading about folklore and mythology, and reading about the queer aspects and characters from mythology and folklore was so much fun. It was a great and fun read. I found it so interesting just how much queer history and characteristics were taken out of folklore and mythology in many aspects because, as a queer person myself who loves this topic, I like to see it.