Beyond A World Apart
by Caitlin E. Myers
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Pub Date 15 Aug 2024 | Archive Date 21 Sep 2024
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Description
As the world enters an era of uncertainty in 1928, a hidden queer community struggles to find love and acceptance in this compelling LGBTQ+ women’s literary fiction novel.
Cara O’Shea encounters her first look at a fully nude female figure in Die Freundin, and her life is never the same again. When her strict Catholic family finds the magazine in her closet, she is forced to flee to the liberating streets of Berlin, where she finds herself at the heart of the city’s queer cabaret scene. She gets a job at the famous club Eldorado, and finds joy in creating extraordinary costumes for her new queer friends.
Her world darkens as the Nazi’s shadow looms over Berlin, and Cara faces new fears when her newfound community and future become threatened. As the fascist regime strengthens its hold, impossible choices arise, with tragedy waiting just around the corner.
Set against a backdrop of historical upheaval, this novel weaves a compelling story of resilience, identity, and the enduring power of community amidst adversity. Beyond A World Apart is a must-read for fans of hidden queer histories and poignant narratives of the LGBTQ+ experience.
Advance Praise
"compelling and captivating,"
"If Catholic school girl meets The Birdcage in the 1930s is your vibe then this book is for you."
"This book has it all: love, lust, politics, religion, stage life, and fashion. The novel depicts the depths of challenges one faces in abandonment, and the power of love (and creativity) when you need it most. The message of hope for a better, more accepting tomorrow stands the test of time. With something for everyone-I highly recommend this read!"
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9798218478186 |
| PRICE | US$4.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 181 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Beatrice T, Reviewer
Absolutely a must-read!
This is a powerful coming-of-age novel combined with a captivating historical fiction. The core idea follows the protagonist's journey in discovering her sexual identity, and to do so, it ensures the creation of interesting characters who move naturally within the described world. The entire story revolves around LGBT+ themes, thoughtfully addressing queer issues first in the Irish context and then in 1928 Berlin.
The harsh reality of the historical situation of those years looms over the entire story, making the protagonist's situation even more precarious. I enjoyed the text; I found it both accurate and compelling. It's easy to empathize with the protagonist, and at the same time, the historical impact is not just in the setting but plays an active role in the narrative.
Sandy J, Reviewer
Beyond a World Apart captures the tumultuous times the world was experiencing between the wars. Our MC Cara lives in Ireland, traditional to its core and well defined by patriarchy and church. As she hits her late teens and realises that she is different and same sex attracted, the overbearing weight of church and social guilt takes its toll. Fortunately, she has sympathetic friends who help her escape her life of poverty and burden to reunite with her brother Ronan in Berlin . Ronan having escaped a few years earlier after being made a pariah because of a dalliance with a clergyman.
Berlin during the Weimar Republic is like a whole new world for Cara. Finally, she comes to terms with her sexuality and the diversity of those around her and fells like she has finally found her niche. Unfortunately, the Third Reich is looming and the once idyllic life begins to change for the worse.
There has been a lot of historical research done for this book, from the legendary El Dorado Nightclub to Dr Hirschfield’s sexology Museum, and the first tentative treatments into gender reassigning.
An interesting read.
Jan W, Reviewer
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the review copy.
I enjoyed this book, and found it to be a quick and easy read. It provides a good look at the dilemma of homosexuality, particularly within the context of the Catholic Church. Add the rise of Nazism in Berlin, and the threat there to the gay community and a life of continually looking over one's shoulder is laid bare.
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