Dryland

In 1992 Portland, Oregon, Julie Winter, a 15-year-old girl, moves through her days feeling detached and disconnected from the world around her. She is drawn to swimming, and through her relationship with Alexis, captain of the swimming team, she finds a way to connect with the world and explore her own identity. Dryland is a poignant and powerful exploration of queer identity and the search for connection.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 18 March 2021
Publisher: Cipher Press

In 1992, Portland, Oregon, is a backdrop for Julie Winter's life, where she navigates through a world detached from her best friend's crushes, the AIDS crisis, the war in Yugoslavia, and grunge. Despite her older brother's absence, Julie's world revolves around swimming, with her searching for pictures of him in Swimmer's World magazine. However, her perspective on swimming changes when Alexis, the captain of the swimming team, tries to recruit her. What begins as a flirtation and infatuation evolves into an opportunity to connect with the world, uncover the truth about her brother's whereabouts, or ultimately let him go.

Dryland, an anti-coming out novel, delves into the quiet and loud aspects of gauzy queer exploration. It portrays the yearning, stifling, and sharp emotions experienced by Julie as she navigates her identity and relationships. The novel captures the complexities of teenage life, where emotions run high, and the search for self-discovery is a constant journey.

Through Julie's eyes, we witness the world around her evolving, from the backdrop of the AIDS crisis to the emergence of grunge music. However, Julie remains disconnected, her perspective shifting as she grapples with her own identity and the absence of her brother. The swimming team becomes a haven for her, a place where she can express herself and connect with others who share her passion for the sport.

Alexis, the captain of the swimming team, plays a pivotal role in Julie's journey. Their flirtation and infatuation become a catalyst for Julie to explore her feelings and desires. Alexis introduces Julie to a world of possibility, where she can be herself and embrace her sexuality. However, their relationship is not without its challenges, as Julie struggles with her own insecurities and the expectations of others.

As Julie delves deeper into the world of swimming, she begins to uncover the truth about her brother's whereabouts. She discovers that he may be living in Berlin, a city that holds a special place in her heart. Julie's search for him becomes a driving force in her life, and she is determined to find him, no matter the cost.

Dryland is a poignant and powerful exploration of identity, sexuality, and the complexities of family relationships. It challenges societal norms and expectations, and offers a fresh perspective on the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. Through Julie's journey, the novel sheds light on the importance of self-discovery, acceptance, and the power of connection.

In conclusion, Dryland is a captivating novel that delves into the lives of Julie Winter and her journey of self-discovery. It captures the quiet and loud aspects of gauzy queer exploration, offering a fresh perspective on the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. Through Julie's journey, the novel sheds light on the importance of self-discovery, acceptance, and the power of connection.

Weight: 222g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781916355347