Positives Reviewers widely celebrate the book's vibrant and heartfelt romance, describing it as epic, intense, and capable of making even cynics believe in love. The chemistry between the main characters, August and Jane, is praised for its perfect slow-burn pacing, leading to a satisfyingly emotional and erotic connection. Beyond the central romance, the novel is lauded for its exceptional portrayal of found family, featuring a diverse and authentic cast of queer side characters who contribute significantly to August's journey of self-discovery and belonging. The book is also highly commended for its rich queer representation, honoring LGBTQIA+ history and activists, particularly queer people of color, and exploring themes of loneliness, hope, and finding one's place in the world. The writing style is frequently described as witty, charming, and original, with natural dialogue and a unique time-travel twist that enhances the intricate plot, all set against a magical and alive New York City backdrop.
Negatives Despite much praise, some reviewers expressed significant criticisms, particularly regarding the book's portrayal of New York City. They noted a perceived lack of factual research on the city's specifics, including subway details and the Flatbush neighborhood, leading to an inauthentic and "placeless" backdrop that felt more like a fantasy than a real, living community. Concerns were also raised about the protagonist, August, whose actions and resolutions sometimes felt overly convenient and ungrounded, with some reviewers feeling Jane, as a character of color, lacked agency or that the romance leaned towards being one-sided. A few critics found the side characters, while diverse, could be underdeveloped or exist primarily to serve August's journey, contributing to a "white savior" narrative. Additionally, a specific line by August implying that racism is a resolved issue was highlighted as unrealistic and disappointing, and the pacing was occasionally criticized for being unbalanced or disjointed.
Conclusion Overall, the book is largely considered a heartwarming and impactful read, celebrated for its queer joy, compelling romance, and powerful message of community and self-acceptance. While some readers found issues with its authenticity regarding setting details or character dynamics, many others found it to be a deeply moving and hopeful story that resonates with the experience of finding one's people and purpose. This book is highly recommended for readers who appreciate a strong, tender, and explicit sapphic romance, enjoy a well-executed found family trope, and seek stories that celebrate diverse queer identities and history. It particularly appeals to those looking for an emotional and uplifting tale of belonging, even with a touch of magical realism, and who are open to a narrative that prioritizes character connection and thematic depth.
