Queer as Folklore: The Hidden Queer History of Myths and Monsters

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy.

This book was exceptional. It navigates the complex hidden links between the mystical creatures we’re all familiar with (mermaids, unicorns, vampires, faeries, etc.) and the queerness inherent in their usage in mythology and literature. It was pleasing to see bisexual and transgender links to mythological creatures being given equal weighting to lesbian and gay representations, as these are often forgotten in these discussions.

This is clearly an academic exploration, but it is written in a more conversational style, thus allowing a much wider audience to access it; the comparisons between historical figures and the myths they helped to create was delivered as if simply sitting around the same dining table, surrounded by friends, with a glass of wine, having a “did you know?” chat about why Ursula was modelled on Divine, rather than feeling as if being lectured to or as if one required a degree-level understanding of Queer Studies to understand.

Highly recommended.

Merged review:

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy.

This book was exceptional. It navigates the complex hidden links between the mystical creatures we’re all familiar with (mermaids, unicorns, vampires, faeries, etc.) and the queerness inherent in their usage in mythology and literature. It was pleasing to see bisexual and transgender links to mythological creatures being given equal weighting to lesbian and gay representations, as these are often forgotten in these discussions.

This is clearly an academic exploration, but it is written in a more conversational style, thus allowing a much wider audience to access it; the comparisons between historical figures and the myths they helped to create was delivered as if simply sitting around the same dining table, surrounded by friends, with a glass of wine, having a “did you know?” chat about why Ursula was modelled on Divine, rather than feeling as if being lectured to or as if one required a degree-level understanding of Queer Studies to understand.

Highly recommended.