#QueerLitLoft

Binding Bricks is a fantastic piece of writing that truly nails non-binary and autistic representation. The execution of these aspects formed a large part of my overall enjoyment of, and enthusiasm for this story.

Mica Davenport and Grace Khan have known each other nearly as long as they’ve known themselves. Inseparable from the get go, it seems ludicrous to imagine a world where they don’t play a prominent role in each other’s lives. But that’s exactly what transpires when Mica takes a risk that apparently doesn’t pay off. Ten years later and a part of Mica is still haunted by their long ago decision, and regret burns even brighter when a chance encounter with Grace proves to them that everything, and nothing has changed, all at the same time.

Mica and Grace’s journey is a slow burn, second chance romance. Their story is beautiful, with both Mica’s and Grace’s hopes, dreams, and heartaches pouring off the pages. The author has done a great job of capturing the mental and physical dynamics of experiencing mixed emotions; particularly the simultaneous heat of desire, and the cold deluge of doubt and wariness.

As a reviewer who resides in the North of England, it’s always a novelty to find a story set in that region of the world. It generates the same joy as knowing the story you are reading has a major element of own voice storytelling to it too.

I loved that Mica identifies as non-binary in a way that is clearly authentic. It allows the reader to see, and feel first hand their transition into the person they were meant to be. Their self-acceptance and willingness to share their identity journey is wholesome. An emotionally heart-warming, and uplifting scene occurs when Grace displays profound allyship for Mica’s pronouns despite their absence; an act which we should all aspire to emulate.

Grace meanwhile is a complex character, beaten down by a loveless marriage, and a gaslighting and emotionally abusive husband. Her self-esteem and self-worth are through the floor, and you can’t help but root for her to finally find self-compassion and self-believe. Grace also has an autistic son, Bobby, who is an awesome secondary character. Grace exhibits pure and unconditional acceptance of Bobby and who he is. This is mirrored by Mica too, who never skips a beat in their interactions, always making sure to involve Bobby in a way, and on a level, that he is comfortable with.

The overall plot does revolve around a point of miscommunication; which I’m usually not a fan of. However, the nuances of how and why this miscommunication occurs, makes the trajectory of the plot more believable, and a whole lot less infuriating than most. In addition, there is such strong character development of both Mica and Grace, that honestly, it’s easy to be more invested in them, than the underlying trigger for the story.