Dreams: An Anthology

Whilst the writers don’t shy away from some of the harder parts of growing up queer, such as the ache of longing or grappling with one’s identity, there’s a persistent thread of play and hope throughout the collection, which makes the overall reading experience feel genuinely comforting and uplifting. Young LGBTQ+ readers will find not only a mirror for the queer experience but also a shimmering sense of wonder and joy. The poem ‘Swingset’ is a particular standout for the author’s ability to perfectly encapsulate the electric nature of young love in just a few lines.

Indeed, part of the joy of reading this collection is the format. The mix of short story and prose removes the pressure often felt when committing to longer narratives such as novels, meaning readers can spend just five minutes with a poem and feel like you’ve entered a whole new world. The sheer variety of stories is what keeps the whole experience so refreshing: one moment you’ll find yourself in a magical universe of witches, the next in the stark, moving reality of a gender clinic. The constant perspective shift ensures that the collection never feels predictable.

Ultimately, this thoughtfully compiled anthology reflects a wide range of incredibly talented young queer writers who successfully manage to treat the ‘dreams’ theme with heartfelt honesty, maturity and a sense of play. Above all, and perhaps most importantly, it was a joy to read!