Summer in the City of Roses

May 17, 2021
Though no wicked stepmothers or Greek gods inhabit the world of this surreal, magical realist tale set in 1990s Portland, Ore., Keil (All of Us with Wings) steeps the narrative in fairy tale and myth. Following Greek and Mexican American siblings Iphigenia “Iph” Santos Velos, 17, and Orestes “Orr” Santos Velos, 15, the novel opens in the wake of their father’s decision to send sensitive Orr to Meadowbrook Rehabilitation Center for Boys—without notifying either sibling in advance. While Orr escapes, fleeing the toxic masculinity of “boot camp,” and finds refuge with all-girl punk band the Furies, aspiring actor Iph runs away from home to reunite with her brother, en route receiving assistance from a queer Robin Hood figure. With ample ’90s references and an empathic, feminist bent, Keil brings a past incarnation of Portland to life in vivid detail. Though several of the novel’s narrative threads take unusual turns that may frustrate some readers, Keil’s lush language (“Honey to tongue, throat to heart, and she is shrinking like Alice”) and endearing cast of free spirits enchant the whole way through. A nostalgic, heady read perfect for a summer day. Ages 14–up. Agent: Hannah Fergesen, KT Literary. (July)■

June 1, 2021
Two siblings try to find each other in this queer and feminist journey. Headstrong Iphigenia Santos Velos often advocates for her sensitive brother, Orestes, shielding him from the harsh whims of those who don't understand him. But when their mother leaves to attend an artist residency and their father can't handle taking care of Orr on his own, he sends him to the Meadowbrook Rehabilitation Center for Boys. Learning of this decision prompts Iph to run away from her father, disturbed by his betrayal. Then, lost in an unfamiliar area of Portland, Oregon, she runs into the charming and genderqueer George, who assists Iph in finding her bearings. Meanwhile, Orr escapes the wilderness boot camp, falling in with a group of punk rockers who graciously allow him to stay with them in their pink house named Penelope. Both Iph and Orr decide not to return home, instead seeking one another while unearthing new sides of themselves during a transformative summer. Set in the early '90s, this novel with mythological influences captures the mystical, feminist wonder of the City of Roses' underground scene. Through its enchanting, dual storylines, readers spend considerable time with Iph's and Orr's inner thoughts, making this an intimate and observant character study. Iph and Orr are Mexican and Greek, and the supporting cast is diverse all around. Quirky, contemplative, and nostalgic. (Fiction. 15-adult)

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Starred review from July 1, 2021

Gr 9 Up-When Iph, a 17-year-old of Greek and Mexican descent, learns of her father's plans to send her brother away, she sets out to rescue him. But a chance meeting with the generous, nonbinary George opens her mind and heart as they wander Portland. As a kind, questioning, neurodivergent teen with anxiety, Orr was never the son his father wanted. On his own for the first time, he is picked up by a punk-rock band named The Furies. By expanding their horizons and navigating newfound relationships with a diverse cast, the siblings transform. In alternating perspectives, this contemporary reimagining diverges from its inspirations: the myth of Iphigenia and Orestes and the Brothers Grimm's "Brother and Sister." The families in both stories suffer because of magical forces, patriarchal views, human shortcomings, and inequitable justice systems, but in Keil's telling, it is by upholding people's identity, dignity, and bonds, and not breaking them, that tragedy is averted. Educators especially will adore this immersive work not only as a comparative text but for its theater and pop culture references and its empathetic treatment of marginalized people. VERDICT An insightful reimagining of myth that champions an array of social causes. An absolute must-read for teens and educators who love advocacy, myths, or folktales.-Rachel Forbes, Oakville P.L., Ont.

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2021
Grades 10-12 Abducted and taken to a boot camp for boys, 15-year-old Orr knows that his father is complicit, hoping that he will be made a "real" boy there. Orr escapes and finds shelter with three young women who constitute a band called The Furies. Learning of her brother's abduction, Orr's older sister, Iph, storms away from her father and finds herself alone at night on the deserted streets of Portland. There she encounters an androgynous teen named George, an urban camper who takes her to the sparely furnished apartment left to them by their grandmother. There Iph and George fall in love. Divided into four acts, this sui generis novel is replete with a fairy tale ethos and references to Shakespeare, and magic becomes an increasingly powerful presence as the plot proceeds. While often beautifully written, the fey novel can also be twee and occasionally pretentious, while a plot twist near the end is sure to be controversial. Nevertheless, Keil's novel will be a treat for romantics and fans of Anna-Marie McLemore and Francesca Lia Block.

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