“The house in the cerulean sea”

[Spoiler alert: details about the book “The house in the cerulean sea” by TJ Klune]

I’m sure Arthur Parnassus is the “young phoenix” mentioned about a third through the book. And he likes, maybe even loves, Lines Baker just as he is. Likes him, maybe even loves him, for all that he is: Arthur can see all that there is in Linus, all his good, all his potential. 

Maybe for all these reasons Arthur Parnassus reminds me so much of my European (gender)queer ex-lover and it’s such a bittersweet mix of emotions I feel when I’m reading this book. 

I’m devouring “The house in the cerulean sea” by TJ Klune. I can hardly put it down. And I find myself hoping that it will end well, that Linus Baker will remain in Marsyas, on the island or at the village, and not go back to the city, back to his job at DICOMY. I’m hoping desperately for a happing ending to this story, to this love story that started with what seems like a time limit: one month for Linus Baker’s visit — or inspection, as he tries to remind himself, at least at the beginning — on the island of Marsyas. This also, obviously, reminds me of my European (gender)queer ex-lover, of our love story: the time limit imposed from the outside, imposed from “above”. And it’s almost as if I feel I could live vicariously through a happy ending between Arthur & Linus if the latter stays on Marsyas. 

Arthur also reminds me of my European (gender)queer ex-lover because of the way he behaves with Linus, not hiding his attraction to him, pulling him gently — slowly but surely — out of his shell, liking him just as he is and seeing his potential — and liking him & loving him even for that potential. That’s how my European (gender)queer ex-lover behaved with me and I think that’s also how they loved me… seeing my potential… 

Emotions roll over me, bittersweet, and I feel the pang of missing them now.