I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself

At the heart of this poignant tale is Kris, herself a Shadester and a newly single parent to her daughter, who inherits her own shadow from birth. Bereaved and consumed by the raw intensity of losing her wife, Kris navigates the treacherous waters of grief while confronting the daunting responsibilities of motherhood. Her journey is one of survival, marked by moments of desperation and clarity as she battles self-doubt and the lure of escapism through alcohol.

Yet amid the personal turmoil, Kris begins to unearth resilience and purpose. Her daughter's infectious vitality ignites a spark of hope, compelling Kris to confront the harshness of their world with renewed defiance. As she grapples with her past, Kris learns to embrace the possibility of a future built on the foundations of acceptance and love—a future supported by a defiant network of outsiders who subtly undermine the authoritarian regime with acts of compassion and solidarity.

With prose that strikes a delicate balance between intimacy and eloquence, Crane's debut is a profound exploration of grief's enduring shadow, the intricate dynamics of raising a child against the odds, and the enduring spirit of queer resistance. Readers will find themselves captivated by the first-person narrative, enriched with the raw honesty reminiscent of Sheila Heti's fierce self-disclosure and the artistic precision akin to Ocean Vuong's poetry.

I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself challenges societal norms while celebrating the indomitable human spirit, weaving a tale that is as hopeful as it is heart-rending. It is a must-read for those seeking an evocative portrayal of resilience amid adversity, and the transformative power of love in its many forms.