"An insightful and moving novel of emerging persona..."

• ASIN: ‎ B0BPW284F6
• Language: ‎ English
• Print length: ‎ 185 pages
• Genre: Women Writers & Fiction

The BookViral Review:

Lois Vander Wende-Williams brings us an insightful and moving novel of emerging persona, in her uniquely written book, ‘Inchoate’. With a fresh and innovative perspective, she burrows deeply into the psyche of ‘coming of age’, and the confusion and uncertainty that comes with it.

Protagonist Jesse, born female but with a fluid identity, is perfectly supported by the two most influential characters in their young life; Rick, a white alpha male, privileged and selfish, and Emma Lee, his ‘girly-girl’, and one with whom Jesse has fallen hopelessly in love. Written in exceptionally believable first person, ‘Inchoate’ captures the intonation and voice of youth as it swings skilfully between these three characters in an extended flash-back which follows terrible tragedy.

Each character’s voice perfectly represents their personality, their words betraying motivations and desires as they shift and blend in an achingly melancholy dance and seek to make sense of adulthood.

Unsurprisingly, Wende-Williams pitches the disorientation of youth perfectly, bringing her background in pastoral counselling and chaplaincy to the fore as she explores gender and sexuality in frank and open dialogue. She does not shy away from the dark depravation of immature life choices or of misguided emotion, non-judgmentally accepting that these are often the encumbrance of the young and immature.

Bravely addressing difficult subject matter such as loss and addiction, and dealing sensitively with sexual violence, ‘Inchoate’ provides a point of reference for both carers and young people, and along with it a pathway to understanding.

Wende-Williams shows herself well-versed in the complex and confusing world of adolescence and holds out strands of hope and recovery in her storyline, offering sense, compassion and understanding, and the message that support is only a question away.

A highly absorbing and contemporary read of exploration and acceptance.