About the Book
Title: Somewhere in Between: An Intersex non-binary genderqueer Fantasy Romance
Author: Natasja Hellenthal
Release Date: November 30, 2018
Length: 110 pages
Genres: fantasy/romance
Categories: intersex, genderqueer, non-binary, gender fluid, sapphic
Purchase Link
Free with Kindle Unlimited
Synopsis
For Yarden, who never seemed to fit in, life was never easy. Born with both male and female gender traits they never truly belonged to either sex, or wanted to conform just to be able to “fit in”. Living and working as a travelling artist, Yarden tries to avoid the masses as much as possible.
One day, Jalmaz appears and the artists’ world gets turned upside-down. Who is this mysterious, beautiful woman who, after entering the workshop, and soon Yarden’s heart, buys a sculpture, but is never to be seen again?
And then, out of nowhere, Jolaz turns up, very similar to Jalmaz, though seems to be male . . .
Is he her twin? What has he done to Jalmaz and why?
Can Yarden, despite their own non-binary gender and fluid appearance, ever accept their strange new love interest, who they after all, have so much in common with?
Do we only allow ourselves to fall in love with someone because the gender is “suitable”, or can we love someone romantically despite of it? Can we truly love someone for who they are, body and soul?
Read ‘Somewhere in Between’ an original genderbending story that will speak to most readers; straight, genderqueer, transgender, lesbian, gay, non-binary, pansexual and cisgender alike.
Review
The minute I saw the description of this book, I knew I had to read it. I’ve been largely immersed in the gender-segregated reading communities of MM and FF Romance, which more often than not means non-binary characters whose genitalia “matches” that of the cisgender love interest. So it is a rare and wonderful gem to find books which cannot be neatly slotted into MM or FF with readers allowed to simply imagine the genderqueer characters as aligning with their preferred category.
This short story delivers exceptionally well on that front. Yarden is intersex. Owing to a loving parent who sees no need to require them to choose, Yarden never does. It is in their point of view, and they are wonderful. Their description of their history and musing about gender and expression are refreshing to read. At no point did I feel as if Yarden had been shoved into a binary box, nor did I feel the need to do so myself.
Something I particularly appreciated was that the author also did not go to lengths to somehow “hide” Yarden’s “true gender” (i.e., birth-assigned gender) from readers. We are fully aware that Yarden has physical traits of more than one sex and exactly what that has meant for them. We also get a picture of what it’s like for a child to be raised in a loving home without being forced to choose. Yarden has distinct preferences for how they express; they are not a blank slate or even completely androgynous. I very much enjoyed getting to know them.
The rest of the story is short enough to be read on a cozy afternoon with a blanket and a cup of tea. I loved the growing affection (I won’t say love quite yet–the story is far too brief) between Yarden and Jalmaz. Jalmaz herself is a fascinating character, one who I won’t spoil for readers. It’s important to see the story unfold for yourself. For me, Jalmaz was a lovely bit of reader wish-fulfillment, though I can’t say why without spoilers.
I think the only thing I would say–and this is not really a criticism–is that it might be good for readers to know the first 20% or so is the author’s explanation of intersex conditions and how this story came to be written. Personally, I enjoyed it, but I think some people might not be as enthusiastic. Also, there are parts of the story itself that feel just a shade on the “educational” side. And the last 25% or so is previews of other books. Some readers won’t mind; others might not enjoy it so much.
All in all, this is a lovely little story. It made me curious about Jalmaz’s world. I believe this is a companion story to a series, though it stands alone just fine. I’m certainly intrigued enough to check out the other books.
For a terrific non-binary character, a gentle and understated romance, and a fascinating setting, this gets 8/10 fountain pens.
Excerpt
“Why should it matter that I was born into another gender; a hermaphrodite? I know that is what they call people like me as I have been in and out of the doctor’s office for most of my childhood until my father decided enough was enough with the studying of my body and trying to decide what to do and what gender to choose to look like. It’s either one or the other in this world I’ve found out; you can’t be both. Dad let me decide whatever clothes I wanted to wear and how I wanted to be called: he or she, as surgery was out of the question. Not only was it deemed too dangerous, but as I was healthy and happy, it was simply unnecessary. I was fortunate with a father like him. But even if I normally felt better being addressed and treated as a boy, it still didn’t sit right. I don’t feel comfortable in clothes typically worn by women, or living a woman’s lifestyle in particular. Don’t even get me started on marriage! I’m only partially female after all, so why should I change for anyone? I don’t dislike my breasts or my other bits, so I know surgery would not have made me happier, but that was never the intention of any doctor. No doubt it would make things easier for me out there. I have bound my breasts in the past to avoid the stares and the questions, but no more. I wear my hair short as I like it that way and wear what I want to which are loose fitting tunics and leggings. I will not let other people decide my happiness. They will just have to take me as I am or walk away. It’s that simple.
What makes one appear male or female to outsiders? Physical attributes obviously, but apart from that, how much does a certain dress code, hair style affect behaviour? Of ourselves and those around us? And isn’t behaviour taught? Isn’t a girl made a girl and a boy a boy? If we were all raised and dressed the same way, the issue of gender undoubtedly would be almost non-existing. There would still be the male and female hormones and the effects, I’ve learnt one of the doctors say, that’s only natural, but apart from that, everything would be so much easier and light-hearted. No one would always be guessing what you are all the time. It simply wouldn’t matter. They would be using their time more productively. It would be more important what you do, how well you do it, and how you contribute to the world and help others.
I don’t often ask myself these questions, but lately I do, notably only when I’m around other people.”
About the Author
Ms Hellenthal is not human. She is a novelist, eco-warrior, animal lover (and thus vegan). Her interests include reading the best books, poetry, space and science, the unexplained, nature and art, and outdoor activities such as hiking, organic gardening, swimming in the sea, paddle-boarding and cycling. She lives in the Pyrenees, South of France where she co-parents two children and a yorkie, and has a long distance relationship with a kiwi in the UK.
She writes witty, speculative fiction that entertain people but at the same time makes them think. Her work has been described as ‘thought-provoking’. Her writing is about change, freedom, advocating for lgbt equality and animal welfare.
In her writing she also deals with big psychological and ethical themes and struggles of life such as death, love and loss, abuse and the consequences of our actions. She tries to build strong characters as realistic as possible, for even though the genre is Fantasy she wants people to feel connected with her heroes and villains as they would with their real life people.
‘The Queen’s Curse’ was her debut novel and has been an international Best-Seller.
Her books are available for Kindle, free with KindleUnlimited and in Paperback.
Ms Hellenthal is influenced by writers such as Tanith Lee, Kahlil Gibran, Patricia McKillip and Hermann Hesse.
She is currently working on book 3 in the Epic Supernatural Fantasy Comyenti Series. Book 1, ‘Call Off The Search,’ and the dramatic sequel, ‘Children Of The Sun’ are available both for Kindle and in Paperback. ‘Chained Freedom’– a stand alone fairy-tale for adults as part of the Comyenti Series to give readers a taste– is a FREE download on Amazon.
Social Media
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More books by Natasja Hellenthal
The Queen’s Curse
SkyWhisperers
The Comyenti Series
Call Off The Search (1)
Children of the Sun (2)
The Comyenti Series Book Bundle 1&2
Catching the Saurian (3) (coming 2019)
Comyenti Novellas
City of Dreams
Quarterling
Lesbian Romance Mythology Series
The Cursed (1)
The Taken (2)
The Immortal (3) (coming January 2019)
