Some Strange Music Draws Me In

In the summer of 1984, in the blue-collar town of Swaffham, Massachusetts, a thirteen-year-old named Mel finds herself on the cusp of a profound transformation. While idly sipping a Slush Puppie at the local drugstore, Mel encounters a voice that is both deep and movie-star dramatic, reminiscent of Lauren Bacall. This voice belongs to Sylvia, a bold and unyielding trans woman whose presence ignites both fascination and fury in the conservative community. Sylvia’s unapologetic femininity and tough-girl swagger captivate Mel, pulling her into a whirlwind of new emotions and conflicts.

As Mel grapples with the discord her new friendship brings, she clashes with her mother and her best friend, realising that the world extends far beyond the narrow confines of Swaffham. Sylvia's introduction into Mel's life becomes a catalyst, opening her eyes to alternative ways of being and existing. Narrated from the year 2019, the story picks up with Max, who is Mel’s older self. Max is on leave from his job after defying speech codes surrounding trans identities. Returning to Swaffham, Max must navigate a fractured family and confront his role in the turbulent events of the past.

Some Strange Music Draws Me In is a compassionate, gripping, and emotionally charged narrative, featuring an unforgettable cast of characters bound by electrifying relationships. Griffin Hansbury's elegant and fearless prose delves deep into the heart of taboos surrounding gender and class, constructing a deeply moving portrait of friendship, family, and a girlhood lived against the grain of societal expectations. The story's timely themes shed light on the harsh everyday realities of small-town intolerance while illustrating the unanticipated ways in which embracing one’s differences can lead to liberation.

This blistering coming-of-age tale builds to an explosive conclusion, offering a vivid and enduring exploration of self-realisation. Through Mel's (and later Max's) poignant journey, Hansbury presents a powerful narrative that resonates with readers, encouraging them to question and redefine their understanding of identity, belonging, and acceptance.

Some Strange Music Draws Me In captures the essence of transformation, the struggles of a transmasc adolescence, and the power of breaking free from societal norms. It is an essential read for anyone interested in stories of self-discovery, resilience, and the undying human spirit.