marywahlmeierbracciano's review
challenging
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Little Foxes Took Up Matches is a queer coming-of-age story set in late 90s Moscow and narrated by Mitya—a beautiful, observant, genderqueer boy. Amidst a dysfunctional family, Mitya admires his resourceful babushka and tries to avoid his predatory, wartorn cousin. In the process of avenging the death of his friend, a kind homeless man who accepted Mitya’s queerness, Mitya befriends an older Ukrainian girl, and the pair comes to know Moscow and themselves by way of the underground music scene. Despite many difficult obstacles, Mitya is incredibly resilient and spirited—one of the most memorable characters I’ve read in a long time. With folklore as its guiding light—Mitya’s chronicle of self-discovery is paralleled by an interluding fairytale—this character-driven novel is ultimately a queer love story, a love letter to queer youth. Jefferson Mays’ narration is a perfect complement.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Alcohol, and Drug use
Moderate: Murder, Rape, Pedophilia, Child abuse, Homophobia, Transphobia, Grief, and Sexual assault
Minor: Police brutality, War, Pregnancy, Vomit, and Gaslighting
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