★★★★★
Gume Laurel III’s Samson & Domingo is a queer Latine heart song that challenges norms, verse by verse.
This isn’t your typical Sunday school story. In the fertile ground of contemporary verse, Laurel cultivates a blossom of unexpected beauty. This lyrical work transcends the confines of the hi-lo label, offering a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and the transformative power of affection. Gone are the stoic hero and his damsel in distress. In their place, we find the titular lovers, navigating the trials of a new relationship filled with dueling anxieties and secrets. Yet, beneath the surface of this lyrical serenade, Laurel excavates deeper truths. Their love is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Wielded with wonderful simplicity, the vibrant verse becomes a conduit for raw emotions.
Laurel’s brilliance lies in the very fabric of his storytelling. Samson & Domingo is a beacon for reluctant readers, written in a language that resonates beyond the confines of schoolwork. Its verse format, stripped bare of unnecessary embellishment, becomes a bridge, inviting those who might shy away from traditional prose to step into a world that reflects their own experiences. For young queer Latine readers, encountering a love story that mirrors their own developing feelings and seeing their identities reflected in the narrative is not a literary indulgence but a vital act of validation. Laurel doesn’t shy away from the complexities of their existence but instead celebrates them, reminding readers that they are seen, worthy, and loved. This is not just a story for the well-read but a welcoming hand reaching out to those who might have felt excluded from the literary landscape, offering a safer space where their voices can bloom.