Yabo

This book ain’t for the faint of heart. You must read with care and memory, and it will satiate those who desire a literary feast. Alexis De Veaux has formed a beautiful tapestry of fiction and poetry, and poetry is laced throughout the short stories. And although the stories are individually titled, each story is part of series, a lyrical series that unfolds without regard to sequence. The nonlinear narratives undergird one of the themes: time. In "Yabo," time has no boundaries. Present, past, and future are the same, and this “principle” is mirrored in the expressions of West African folklore, spirituality, symbols, and history throughout the book.Though groups of characters exist in different centuries and forms and sexualities, they all relate in complex, surprising, and satisfying ways. Parts of the stories are steeped in the rural South; other parts transpire in the bustling North. Regardless of location, the stories are woven in expected ways, through realms of life and death and unseen worlds, through spirit and flesh, and pain and desire. I especially liked “Between Here and Nowhere.” The story is less than two pages, but knowing and reverent and told through the mouths of an eagle and leopard.Above, I mentioned Jules. I was particularly drawn to Jules’ character, life, and relationship with Zen. Jules is a resilient person with strengths and talents as deep as Jules’ weaknesses. Jules is intersex, and from day one, Ruby and Ramses (Jules’ parents), were careful not to “correct” Jules’ genitalia or categorize Jules as male or female. Instead, Jules lingers in the spaces of both neither— bn— an acronym coined by Jules’ parents; a pronoun in which Jules identifies. I kept waiting for the moment that De Veaux would have to use a conventional pronoun to aid in the storytelling of Jules characterization and experiences. But, it never happened. Instead, the reader must read along the lines of Jules’ identity (literally and figuratively), which encourages readers to set aside the limitations of labels— which reminded me to avoid dichotomous pronouns here.My only issue with "Yabo" is also a bit of a reader pet peeve. I prefer traditional styling with paragraphs and dialogue. Indentations and quotation marks are my friends. When they’re missing, the reading takes more effort, like I’m fighting the text by second-guessing myself and re-reading a line to determine whether it was exposition or dialogue to begin with.I highly recommended "Yabo" because it is the type of book you not only read, but also see and experience— and the kind of book that incites writer’s envy.[Originally posted at the Black Lesbian Literary Collective]

I loved the language of this novel. It was lyrical, mythical and mystical all at once. I loved how the opening metaphor of a porous membrane was the foundation for the structure of the novel and how historical truth and mythical realities are blended. I finished reading this novel about 10 days ago and it is still living in my mind. I will have to go back to it and take notes and copy passages that I feel are beautiful. I haven't done that with a novel in a long time. I recommend it to readers who like to take time to digest a well written novel that breaks our expectations of chronological, place driven, traditional narratives. Ms. De Veaux breaks with tradition on many levels while embracing it on others.

This story is so powerful and deep. One of the best books I’ve read.

Wow. Yabo crawled into my skin and stuck to all my ribs; I'm fairly certain I'll never shake it. This is a book that alters you. The narrative wove in and out of many stories and time periods, stripping my mind down and demanding attention until a huge story was told in the span of two hours. Potent. Will read again and HIGHLY recommend.

Yabo is a nuanced weaving of time and history that deserves the readers undivided attention. De Veaux's language is blunt yet lyrical, brutal yet tender. Her characters are heart-breaking and deeply crafted. I rarely keep a work of fiction once I've read it, but Yabo's a keeper worth many more reads.

The book is less than 200 pages but it is full of love and light. This is a must read for Black Queer people everywhere. It is a beautiful look at love, life, spirituality, and intimacy.It's a portrait that of ourselves that we don't often get. It is a book bursting at the seems with comfort and healing.

Excellent read!!! This story is compelling and keeps you turning the page to read what's next. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to meet Alexis and have her sign my copy too!!!

One of the best literary investments I have ever made