Somewhere Beyond the Sea

In this sequel, we switch our point of view character to Arthur Parnassus, learning more about him even as we see the advancement of the plot and world setting.

This book feels like it's trying to tackle and cover a LOT of ground--more than the first book, which already had a fair amount going on. It has its sweet moments, but it also has more that are grounded in reality than I'd say the first book. I find it a worthy successor--I quite enjoyed it.

Reading and finishing this book post-presidential election 2024 under the United States was very depressing as the themes of the book have and continue to be a reality. Prejudice and oppression of any sort should not be tolerated... And contrary to others beliefs non violence does not always work. One thing that I am glad TJ Klune does is not to pretend it is easy or shy away from hard truths. I keep wondering if a certain character visiting the island could have been changed... Just one person at a time but to Klunes point there will always be a subset of the population that feels hatred towards others that are different. We will need allies and to unite somehow. Going back to America... I'm not sure how when >50% voted for hate, fascism (gestepo level), and to be represented by a man who is not only a criminal but one that cannot speak or read above a 9 year old level.