Rating: /10

Synopsis

When a mysterious ailment refuses to leave water nymph Lilje, her father sends her to a human spa retreat. Lilje quickly discovers she has a lot to learn about human nature and culture when she accidentally scandalises the Edwardian spa guests by showing up undressed.

In hope of relieving her chronic pain and fatigue, she tries her best to fit in and silence her ability to speak with the elements, plants, and animals around her. But when the secret of her heritage is revealed and Lilje falls in love with a human, she faces a difficult choice. Give up everything she thought she was, or live forever in pain and regret of what could have been.

Reflections of Lilje Damselfly is a short standalone novel set in a magical version of early 20th century England.

Quick Review

Reflections of Lilje Damselfly reads like literary fiction, with a touch of fantasy. It’s a story of healing, belonging, and love.

Full Review

There are no monsters to slay or villains to fight in Reflections of Lilje Damselfly. This short novel reminded me of some literary fiction stories such as Winesburgh, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson or Everything Inside by Edwidge Danticat. There is a mundanity to Reflections. It is a story about a young woman trying to navigate society, stumbling into a relationship, and attempting to recover from what ails her. All of this is accented by the fact that it’s not just a period drama, but also a fantasy novel.

Lilje is a water nymph who is stricken with chronic pain. To heal, she is told that she must leave the water in a kind of attempt at a detox. While living amongst humans, she struggles to adapt to their society, mannerisms, and expectations. There’s a poetic element to these parts of the story, especially when Lilje encounters something that doesn’t quite have the context or language to describe. This is usually done well, though I could have done with slightly less focus on excrement (which is apparently something that water nymphs don’t do in this world). Even so, Lilje learning to co-exist with humans is a bright spot in this story.

Given all that, the tension in this story arises from awkward social situations, and a queer relationship that Edwardian England doesn’t approve of. Despite that, nobody in this story seems like they’re “out to get” anyone else. Yes, there are certain expectations of everyone, but there is one character who could have been easily twisted into a mustache-twirling villain. He is an obstacle in the story, to be sure, but he is not malicious. If anything, the villains are those societal expectations, and Lilje’s chronic pain. That makes it a little hard to talk about the story’s plot, but what I will say is that it all works brilliantly in context. The pace feels good, never lingering too long in one place.

I don’t think that this book will work for everybody. If you’re looking for action, monsters to slay, and anything of the sort, Reflections of Lilje Damselfly will not be for you. But, if you’re looking for something a bit different, that approaches the fantasy genre in a new way, or a truly adorable queer romance, this book will give you exactly that.

I recommend Reflections of Lilje Damselfly. It’s a heartfelt and endearing story that occupies a unique space in the fantasy genre. I should also note, this book is a standalone, though Kelda is writing more like it. So, if you enjoy Reflections keep an eye out for more books in her series Folk With a Disregard for Convention! The next book, The Turbulent Appearance of Brise Collier, is due out October 27th.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Lizzie Pease, who did an excellent job putting Lilje’s warring emotions behind every word. 

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.