; ;

Illyria

Forbidden love begins as soft lapping waves, building and building until it is tidal in nature, only to wash out to sea, leaving behind memories and nothing more.  So is the terse story of Illyria, where two cousins fall madly in love, trying to make sense of their world, their families and their passion for each other.   Rogan and Madeline live across the street from each other, spend most waking hours with one another, and the family mostly ignores them as they hide their romance.  But once cast into Twelfth Night together, the play charts a new course for each character rapidly–maybe too rapidly.   With hints of magic realism, Elizabeth Hand’s story is feels old-worldly at times and then spot on in today’s world.  But a reader knows from the very start that this is a love that can not last.  It’s rapid decline is that crushing tidal wave, only leaving remnants behind.  Anyone who has knowledge of Twelfth Night will enjoy this tale, but it is not required to be enjoyed.