In her debut novel, "When the Tides Held the Moon," Venessa Vida Kelley explores the transformative power of freedom and identity against the backdrop of a changing 1911 New York City. The story follows Benny, a young Puerto Rican immigrant, who finds work in a foundry but is soon drawn into the enchantment of sideshow life with Sam Morgan's Menagerie. As he befriends a merman named Rio, their relationship blossoms into love, reflecting deep philosophical themes relating to self-discovery and community in a tumultuous world.
There's no being free on the outside without being free on the inside," proclaims the Mighty Matthias, highlighting the book's exploration of internal and external freedoms amidst a vibrant historical setting.
Aren't we all fish out of water?" asks the Menagerie, encapsulating the themes of belonging and the struggle for identity among the diverse cast of characters.
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