Breathtaking ... Well-paced and expertly crafted, the novel’s shifting timelines and intricate plot structure are reminiscent of Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See ... Its propulsive narrative, at times heart-stopping in its suspense and dramatic reveals, is interwoven with rich descriptions and historical passages that give context to a society held in the brutal grip of fascism ... Yet in the vast canon of World War II historical fiction, The Lilac People is wholly unique and original. The novel offers a fresh and timely perspective.
Humane ... Unwavering in its queer representation, the book’s portrayal of transgender men and their community is multifaceted ... The book’s descriptions of Nazi atrocities are heartbreaking, and Karl’s blunt, graphic recounting of surviving Dachau is haunting ... Rais[es] tough but necessary questions about complicity with persecution ... Exuberant, nerve-wracking, and heart-wrenching.
Brings humanity and specificity to atrocities that are still being uncovered ... The Lilac People is emotionally wrenching, but also lovely in its details, the humanity of its characters, and the resilience and hope at its end, when a fresh start seems possible. Todd has made an enormous contribution to historical fiction with his own research and this beautiful, touching narrative.
A stirring chronicle ... In Todd’s hands, this vital chapter of LGBTQ+ history comes to life, as the characters find a means to survive through found family. This timely historical drama hits hard.
Vividly illustrates the power of love and community in the face of oppression ... Todd’s detailed narrative conveys the terrors and uncertainties of life during wartime ... The ambitions and joys of Berlin’s queer community are equally well drawn.
