★★★★
Andrew Joseph White’s brutally vivid and evocative novel Compound Fracture is a gripping tale of queer trauma and resilience.
White renders small-town life with a deep and loving complexity that challenges stereotypes. The protagonist, Miles, embarks on a journey of self-discovery as he comes to terms with being trans and autistic, a process depicted with authenticity and sensitivity. White’s portrayal of Miles’s interactions with his friend Amber resonates deeply, as does the relationship between Miles and his mother, a complex and compelling figure. Her fierce protectiveness and gradual acceptance of her son are rendered with nuance and compassion.
The story skillfully employs the exploration of the supernatural, blurring the lines between the psychological and the spectral. The ghostly presence of Saint serves as a powerful metaphor for the enduring weight of generational trauma and violence, infusing the story with a profound sense of tragedy. The fates of the younger characters, shaped by forces largely beyond their control, also unfold with a morbid inevitability. Their deaths are a heartbreaking commentary on the cyclical nature of violence and the difficulty of breaking free from established patterns.
While the pacing can feel somewhat uneven, Compound Fracture’s overall impact is undeniable. It is a work that is both grimly violent and deeply empathetic, demonstrating how the resilience of youth and the strength of rural communities offer hope even in the toughest of times.