Well written, with a strong cultural and emotional base. Perhaps that was part of my problem. There are many cultural references, most of which I could reason through but a few kept me off balance. What it comes down to is having a hard time understanding/relating to the protagonist. And for a longish, slowish book entirely centered on the emotional inner journey, a disconnect is a significant disadvantage.

Kaleidoscope Song is a new release from Fox Benwell centered around the South African music scene and treatment of LGBTQ issues. Now, it appears that the synopsis (above) has changed since I requested the book, potential out of fear of it being a "spoiler, so I really want to mention this as it is a huge trigger warning: one of the issues this book deals with is corrective rape. (This is the practice of men raping queer women to "cure" them by showing them what they're supposed to like.) Even knowing this going on, it still came when I didn't quite expect it. It isn't terribly graphic, but it does not downplay the issue,and ultimately it ends with an uplift. Frankly, lesser authors would have left the story shortly after the tragedy instead of unpacking it and emphasizing that our community survives and endures. Furthermore, Benwell's author's note is great at explaining the complex situation in South African in regard to LGBTQ rights and attitudes, as well as her own privileges.

What's immediately apparent in Kaleidoscope Song is the distinctive detail and voice. I admit to not knowing much about South Africa, so I am unsure how accurate some parts are, but the detail indicates it was well-researched. This can make it a little confusing and first--Facebook and cassette tapes?--but that just makes it a worthwhile window into a world we here in American don't think too much about. Neo's voice--especially her connection to music is also so vivid and beautiful, and particularly poignant to a fellow music-lover (and queer girl) myself.

I loved seeing Neo grow into her own voice (or song, as the narrative says) as she got her own radio show and grew more confident in her identity. I very much rooted for the romance between Neo and Tale, and a lot of that attests to how well Neo's complex feelings are communicated. There is palpable tension--not just the sexual tension before they get together, but the fears of being found out. Some of the tension dissipated as Neo successfully sneaked out of her house over and over, but then there were new tensions. I do wish a got a little more of the minor characters in their group, but shout out to Neo's little brother, Jesu, is also so cute and loving and made me cry.

There's also an extensive playlist/list of songs in the back that are mentioned or Benwell drew inspiration from--mostly South African tunes--that are going to be interesting to check out! I definitely recommend this book (if you are prepared for/comfortable with the subject matter) for its detail, voice, characterization, and storyline! It is also a pretty quick read because the chapters are quite short.

I want to start off by saying that there’s no way in heck this review will do justice to this amazing, magnificent, beautiful book. So go buy it now. Even before you read this review because that’s how amazing it is. Trust me on this. You need this book in your life.

Kaleidoscope Song is the story of Neo. Throughout the book we can see Neo grow from this shy girl who’s afraid of letting her true self shine to this strong young woman who stands up for who she is and what she believes in.
She’s a strong and determined and hardworking and persistent and such a caring character. She’s a South African young woman trying to find her place in the world.
Neo has a passion for music like you’ve never seen before. No one gets it though. Her parents keep telling her that music will get her nowhere. That she should forget about that childish dream, she should study and find a man. A man she’ll marry and have children with.
And then there’s this beautiful woman, Tale. She gets IT. She gets HER. Neo fell in love with her song and there’s no way she’s ever going to be able to let go her go. They create the most beautiful song together.
But life as a black lesbian woman in Khayelitsha, Cape Town is not easy.
Just when everything seems to be going fine and Neo finally feels like she’s found her place in the world, the cruel side of the world makes an appearance and tries to destroy everything she loves.

Neo’s story might be fictional but there is nothing but the truth in Fox Benwell’s words. Even though she is a fictional character, there are actually a lot of Neos out there fighting for their rights and fighting to survive when they shouldn’t have to. They should be able to live their lives like any other human in this Earth. Some might have it easier than her, some have gone through horrible things we can’t even begin to imagine.
Kaleidoscope Song is a small contribution to this cause (that shouldn’t even be a cause). It creates awareness. It makes you think and want to help and it makes you want to educate yourself.

I’m so thankful to Fox Benwell for writing this book and for not keeping quiet. For using his magnificent talent with words and giving us a piece of his mind.
I will forever carry Neo’s story inside my heart and I cross my heart I will never keep quiet.

I honestly cannot recommend this book enough. If Benwell’s words resonated so much with me (a straight Mexican young woman), imagine how much it would mean to a lesbian or anyone from the LGBTQIA+ community.
PLEASE pick up this book as soon as you can.