Queer as Folklore is a nonfiction exploration of queer history and mythology (3.75/5 stars)

Queer as Folklore is a nonfiction exploration of queer history and mythology.

I borrowed the audiobook from my local library and enjoyed listened to the narrator. I think he put just the right inflection on things, especially when they were meant to be a little humorous.

The prose was easy and fun to read. I especially appreciated how the tone was kept light though you can easily tell the author did extensive research on all of these topics.

My minor in college was classical mythology, and I’ve long been interested in folklore and myth worldwide. So in general, I enjoyed reading this book, and will stow away bits and pieces of its information for trivia nights in the future.

I think my main criticism of the book is that it feels a bit meandering. It’s possible there might have been a better through line if the chapters were arranged in a slightly different order. I also didn’t fully buy some of the modern examples being compared to historical mythos. Some felt like a bit too much of a stretch. And there were a few too many mentions of JKR for my liking for a book so recently published.

But the historical research portions of this book truly shined, and I liked them a lot. I wish there was a deeper exploration into sapphic history–this was majority bi/gay men-focused–along with more non-Western mythology.

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