I have been waiting for this book for years. And now that I’ve read it, I feel like my heart will never be the same. “When the Tides Held the Moon,” by the brilliant and versatile author-illustrator Venessa Vida Kelley (she/they), is a book unlike any other. With its lush, enthralling prose and gorgeous pen-and-ink illustrations, the book quickly transported me to turn-of-the-century Brooklyn, where a menagerie of beautifully fleshed-out characters with a found-family dynamic came to life.

Main character Benigno (“Benny”) finds himself in New York City, following this wishes of his beloved tití after a devastating hurricane in his home of Puerto Rico. As a self-described Nuyorican, Kelley’s abundant love for their two homes is apparent on every page. I absolutely loved how Benny’s thoughts moved so seamlessly between English and Puerto Rican Spanish, never falling into the whitewashed trap of explaining every non-English word for the reader.

Kelley’s care and respect for the people and cultures she writes about shines throughout the novel—from the content notice on the copyright page, to the small but powerful acts of mutual respect lovingly demonstrated by the so-called “exhibits” of the Luna Park sideshow, to the more direct critiques of societal injustices—every reader will feel the love imbued within the covers of this book.

As a queer person, reading LGBTQIA+ historical fiction can be frustrating because the narratives often focus solely on internalized homophobia and repression. While these struggles are part of our history, these stories frequently overlook moments of joy, love, and resilience. This narrow focus reduces queer lives to tragedy, which feels unrealistic and limiting. What many of us crave are narratives that reflect the full spectrum of queer experiences—stories where being queer isn’t just about suffering, but also about community and thriving against the odds. “When the Tides Held the Moon” stands among the rare LGBTQIA+ historical fiction that truly embraces the full spectrum of queer experiences, and I am so grateful for it. Benny and Río’s love is a balm on my jaded queer soul.

I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially fans of queer romance who want a story that will make you swoon, cry, and ultimately believe in the power of love and resilience.

I can’t conclude this review without elucidating Kelley’s gorgeous illustrations. The carefully and reverently rendered depictions of Río, in particular, are a true delight to behold. Holding this book in my hands upon its publication next year and experiencing the illustrations in person will be a genuine honor.

Thank you to Erewhon Books and NetGalley for the chance to read my very first ARC of a book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Erewhon Books and NetGalley for this e-ARC for review. The cover is beautiful. I’m quite excited to read it and will provide a review promptly.

When the Tides Held the Moon is one of my top reads of the year. It's an absolutely enthralling and all encompassing story that you will not be able to put down. The found family is just what I want in all books and you won't be able to get enough of Benny and Rio.

sometimes i read something that is so deeply puerto rican that i’m shocked. it shouldn’t be shocking to read about my own culture, and yet! anyway, this book is beautiful. from the gorgeous illustrations to the tender romance, vida kelley creates a world where you’re glued to the page, unable to step away for a second.