Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

In the realm of experimental literature, Myriam LaCroix’s debut novel, "How It Works Out," stands as a bold exploration of queer love through a series of unconventional scenarios. Each chapter presents Allison and Myriam, the book’s sapphic couple, in a different surreal setting, ranging from bizarre to poignant.

From discovering a baby to navigating through acts of cannibalism, LaCroix delves into the depths of human connection with dry humor and dark wit. The book reads like a collection of experimental short stories, each chapter a unique attempt to unravel the complexities of queer love. Amidst the absurdity, themes of solidarity and community emerge, highlighting the resilience and vulnerabilities inherent in relationships. Allison and Myriam’s journey reflects the struggles of opening up and trusting one another, grappling with the boundaries of sacrifice in the name of love.

Despite the varied scenarios, the underlying pulse of love beats throughout the entire narrative. LaCroix skillfully captures the essence of queer desire and longing, infusing the story with rich representation and relatable experiences. Through Allison and Myriam, the author paints a vivid portrait of the hunger and driving force of love, tempered by moments of doubt and self-discovery.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its exploration of different modes of expressing love and care. LaCroix masterfully navigates themes of power dynamics, anticapitalism, and queer liberation within the context of the couple’s relationship, offering a nuanced portrayal of contemporary queer experiences.

The prose is infused with lyrical beauty, juxtaposed against moments of body horror and gore. LaCroix’s writing style and characters, both reminiscent of the movie Bottoms, draw readers in with their emotive depth and introspective candor. The narrative unfolds with a natural flow, punctuated by reflective language and poignant musings.

As a reader deeply invested in diverse representation and queer liberation, I found "How It Works Out" to be a refreshing addition to contemporary LGBTQ+ literature. LaCroix’s exploration of queer love transcends conventional boundaries, offering readers a captivating and thought-provoking journey.

In conclusion, "How It Works Out" is a compelling and daring exploration of sapphic love, wrapped in dark humor and poignant introspection. Through Allison and Myriam’s journey, Myriam LaCroix invites readers to embrace the complexities of human connection and celebrate the resilience of the human spirit.

📖 Recommended For: Sapphic Millennials, Challengers of Traditional Literature, Seekers of Unconventional Romance, Admirers of Speculative Fiction, Fans of Carmen Maria Machado's "Her Body and Other Parties" and the film "Bottoms"

🔑 Key Themes: Queer Love and Identity, Subverting Norms and Expectations, Surreal and Imaginative Storytelling, The Intersection of Love and Horror, Reimagining Relationships, Embracing the Absurd, The Power of Human Connection.