The In-Between Bookstore marks Edward Underhill’s compelling adult debut, following his successful young adult novels Always the Almost and This Day Changes Everything. In this enchanting narrative, Underhill weaves a delicate tapestry of magical realism, queer identity, and the bittersweet nature of homecoming, creating a story that lingers in readers’ minds long after the final page.
Plot and Premise: Where Past Meets Present
At thirty, Darby finds himself at a crossroads—unemployed, disillusioned with New York City life, and uncertain about his future. His return to Oak Falls, Illinois, coincides with his mother’s decision to downsize, providing the perfect excuse to retreat to his hometown. However, Oak Falls isn’t quite the unchanging small town he remembers, and neither is he the same person who left it behind.
The story’s magical element emerges when Darby visits In Between Books, his former workplace. Upon entering, he finds himself transported to 2009, face-to-face with his teenage self just days before a pivotal moment that would alter the course of his life. This supernatural twist serves as more than just a plot device; it becomes a powerful metaphor for self-reflection and the universal desire to understand our past choices.
Character Development: A Journey Through Time and Identity
Underhill excels at crafting complex, believable characters who evolve throughout the narrative. Darby’s character arc is particularly nuanced, spanning both his present-day self and his teenage version. The author skillfully portrays the disconnect and recognition between these two versions of the same person, creating moments of profound insight into the nature of identity and growth.
The supporting cast is equally well-developed:
- Michael, Darby’s childhood best friend, whose own journey of self-discovery parallels Darby’s
- Darby’s mother, whose quiet strength and acceptance provide an emotional anchor
- The New York friends (Olivia, Ian, and Joan) who represent the chosen family many LGBTQ+ individuals create for themselves
Writing Style and Structure
Underhill’s prose is clean and evocative, striking a perfect balance between introspection and forward momentum. The alternating timeline structure could have been confusing, but the author handles it with remarkable clarity. Each transition between present and past feels natural and purposeful.
What Works Well
- The seamless integration of magical elements into an otherwise realistic narrative
- Authentic portrayal of small-town life without resorting to stereotypes
- Nuanced exploration of queer identity and community
- Rich emotional depth in character relationships
- Thoughtful examination of the concept of “home”
Areas for Improvement
While the novel largely succeeds in its ambitious goals, there are a few aspects that could have been strengthened:
- The mechanics of the time travel could have been more clearly defined
- Some secondary character arcs feel slightly underdeveloped
- The pacing in the middle section occasionally slows
- The resolution of certain conflicts might feel too neat for some readers
Themes and Symbolism
The novel explores several interconnected themes:
Identity and Self-Acceptance
The bookstore serves as a metaphor for self-discovery, with its ability to exist in two time periods representing the ongoing dialogue between past and present selves.
Choice and Consequence
Through the time travel element, Underhill examines how our choices shape not only our future but our understanding of ourselves.
Community and Belonging
The contrast between Oak Falls and New York City highlights different types of belonging and the various ways people create space for themselves.
Cultural Impact and Relevance
The In-Between Bookstore arrives at a crucial moment in contemporary literature, adding a valuable voice to the growing body of work exploring queer experiences beyond coming-out narratives. The novel’s treatment of trans identity is particularly noteworthy for its subtlety and complexity.
Comparative Analysis
Fans of Casey McQuiston’s Red, White & Royal Blue and Aiden Thomas’s Cemetery Boys will find familiar themes of self-discovery and acceptance, though Underhill’s approach is more grounded in magical realism than pure fantasy. The novel also shares DNA with time-travel narratives like Audrey Niffenegger’s The Time Traveler’s Wife, but with a distinctly queer perspective.
Final Verdict
The In-Between Bookstore is a remarkable achievement that manages to be both intimate and universal in scope. While it occasionally struggles with pacing and some plot mechanics, these minor flaws don’t significantly detract from the novel’s emotional impact and thematic richness.
Strengths
- Beautiful prose
- Complex character relationships
- Thoughtful exploration of identity
- Innovative use of magical realism
Considerations
- Some pacing issues
- Occasional plot convenience
- Time travel mechanics could be clearer
Reader Recommendations
This book is perfect for:
- Fans of literary fiction with magical elements
- Readers interested in LGBTQ+ perspectives
- Anyone who has questioned their place in the world
- Those who appreciate stories about homecoming and self-discovery
Impact and Legacy
With The In-Between Bookstore, Underhill has created more than just another time-travel narrative or coming-of-age story. He has crafted a thoughtful meditation on identity, belonging, and the endless possibilities that exist within each choice we make. The novel reminds us that while we can’t change our past, we can always choose how we move forward.
For readers seeking a story that combines emotional depth with magical elements, The In-Between Bookstore offers a unique and satisfying journey. It’s a testament to the power of understanding our past selves while embracing our present truth, and it marks Underhill as an author to watch in contemporary queer literature.
