Book: Is This a Cry for Help? A Novel by Emily Austin
Reviewed by Deb.Reads.Books
Rating: 4/5
Is This A Cry For Help is a novel about a queer librarian, Darcy, who recently had a breakdown over the death of an ex. As a later-in-life lesbian, she grapples the lasting effects of compulsive heterosexuality. Her healing journey is complicated by a group of protesters who are critical of the library’s “woke” agenda.
This novel does a great job of highlighting that healing from grief is not a linear journey. Emily Austin addresses topics like mental health, sexuality, homophobia, censorship, and what an important resource a library is to the community it serves. While Darcy is happily married, the main love story in this novel is the budding relationship that she is developing within herself. Is This a Cry for Help is a moving story. It’s complex. It’s powerful. It’s raw yet beautiful. It’s realistic. I think this is a great choice for someone looking to find a character they can relate to that isn’t all sunshine and glitter.
Thank you to Atria & NetGalley for this ARC for review.