The house of rural realness by Curtis Campbell

A teenage drag show in a small rural town – this is the grand spectacle that seizes the imagination of the ‘queer’ young would-be performers, an opportunity to shine in extravagant wigs and costumes and sing biting lyrics. Peter’s flamboyant friend Alan is clearly going to be queen of the show. Peter himself prefers a role out of the limelight; producer is more his style. It is all part of an absurd scheme to redeem himself after a cringeworthy rant against the popular gay kid in the school, and to prove that he is not a self-hating gay.

Peter seems to have anger problems. He mostly maintains a low-key profile, but every now again his anger burst forth in a sarcasm that cuts to the quick. He is also prone to belittling his friends and relationships, in a demeaning way, as though to reassure himself he is not really one of them. All of which does not make him a very likeable central character. The plot is predictable: he is going to hurt some of his best friends before he finally wakes up to himself and makes amends.

The book is touted as a ‘laugh-out-loud romp’ and there are plenty of ridiculous situations, but for me the witty barbs were a bit too cruel, and lessened my enjoyment. Perhaps other readers will more readily embrace the humour. After all, there are lots of very warm caring characters to balance the stereotypical homophobes, and the extravagant mix of hairstyles, costumes and sequins is intended to be a lot of fun.

Teachers’ Notes are available on the publisher’s website.

Themes: Drag queens, LGBTQI+, Humour, Homophobia, Self-acceptance.

Helen Eddy