Hello hello readers and welcome back! Today I bring to you the review of an ARC that I received a while back. I posted my thoughts on goodreads back in July, but I wanted to give you guys the chance of knowing this author and novel as well!
Emily Rivers does not have time for love. Or dating. Or even a one night stand.
As the eldest of the Rivers sisters, she’s too focused on keeping her family’s campground running in the wake of a devastating tragedy to even think about romance. When Kim Jefferies shows up at the local small town bar looking like a lesbian snack on a stick, Emily writes her off as yet another tourist just passing through—no matter how much the butterflies in her stomach try to tell her otherwise.
Only Kim’s plans of ‘passing through’ fade the second she sees Emily Rivers, despite the fact that the whole point of her soul-searching journey was to stop falling for random women in bars who only lead her to heartbreak. The last thing they’re looking for is a love story, but with the help of some conniving sisters, an interfering bartender, and the magic of the great outdoors, that might be exactly what Kim and Emily are going to get.
“Passing Through” by Katia Rose is an absolute gem of a novel that left me enchanted from start to finish. What truly stands out in this book is the portrayal of the familial relationship, which is nothing short of heart-warming and beautifully depicted. The deep bonds and connections between the characters tug at your heartstrings, making you feel like a part of their family. Familial grief is a huge part of the novel, as well as carrying on while having the burden of expectations falling on your shoulders. I appreciated the way this topic was approached by Rose, who was tactful and respectful.
Another great element is the way Rose describes the landscapes, which is simply mesmerizing. Her vivid and evocative prose transports you to the settings, making you feel like you’re right there, experiencing the breath-taking scenery alongside the characters. The landscapes become almost like characters themselves, adding depth and richness to the story. Funnily enough, one of my closest friends was on holiday on Vancouver Island as I was reading this, so that I decided to book a workaway stay over there for next summer. Fingers crossed I will manage to go!
But going back to the narrative, Rose writes sapphic desires so incredibly well. Emily’s longing for companionship permeates the narrative, and so does Kim’s longing for understanding! They’re both universal themes that resonate with readers on a profound level, and maybe even more when it comes to queer people. The characters’ yearning for connection and understanding is palpable, making the story feel incredibly relatable and emotionally charged.
In summary, “Passing Through” is an evocative tale that excels in depicting the power of family, the beauty of landscapes, and the universal longing for companionship. Katia Rose’s storytelling is nothing short of heart-warming , and this book is a must-read for anyone looking to be transported into the Canadian rural landscape while still having really good sapphic representation.
LitForQueers 