![]() ![]() Reading numerous books in which the protagonist’s coming out-or being outed-is the obvious climax of the story gets tedious. Yes, there is limited space in a novel, but the limitations of publishing do not excuse the heavy presence of tropes. ![]() Issue books sometimes sacrifice stronger characterization for the sake of focusing on the issue in question. ![]() The key to my joy and this novel’s success is Ramona’s characterization. However, when her childhood friend Freddie moves back to Eulogy and coaxes Ramona to train in competitive swimming, she falls for the sport-and the boy. Ramona is quite sure of herself she has long been out as gay, has several part time jobs, and she knows she’ll be there for Hattie when the baby comes. While her father works almost nonstop to keep their family afloat, 17-year-old Ramona feels that her worth is tied to her ability to contribute financially, and to how well she can look after her pregnant older sister, Hattie. Ramona lives in Eulogy, Mississippi, a small town still experiencing fallout from Hurricane Katrina. I was not disappointed in fact, I am overjoyed. The synopsis of Ramona Blue dredges up ghosts of bi-erasure and sad queer girls, but despite that, I went in fearless, believing Murphy would deliver something that was, at the very least, respectful. I read Julie Murphy’s novel Dumplin’ last year, and I trust her as an author. ![]() I have to begin with a confession of bias. HarperCollins provided a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ![]()
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