“Suddenly what was supposed to be a tongue-in-cheek parallel universe needed to be escapist, trauma-soothing, alternate-but-realistic reality. Not a perfect world- one still believably fucked up, just a little better, a little more optimistic. I wasn’t sure I was up to the task. I hoped I was.” — Casey McQuiston, author of Red, White and Royal Blue.

There is no better way to describe the wonder that McQuiston has created, other than in her own words quoted above. As a queer romance, this book has transcended its generic boundaries have been on the edge of a lot of topics. Politics, family feuds, powerful characters, vulnerabilities and taking control of their own lives, the books inspires and amazes at the same time. Issues like race and sexuality are delved into, they are discussed in the context of politics, the politics of the presidential election and the royal family are torn apart as the private and public life overlaps. It is a cheesy romance till the middle of the book, but by the end, it is a whole different story.

I think, I can write complete papers on each of the themes discussed in the novel, but for now, I will focus on some of my favorite sections of the book and draw your attention to it.

[Since Alex likes lists so much]

1. The way Alex came to face his own identity, the initial denial to the later acknowledgement.
2. President Mom.
3. The trans-Atlantic romance.
4. The philanthropic prince who calls his crown allowance “blood money”.
5. The princess who ran away with James Bond.
6. The excerpts of ancient letters that the two emailed each other.
7. June and Nora.
8. Beatrice and Princess Catherine.
9. Shaan and Zahra.
10. An alternate reality where Madam President Claremont succeeds Obama in 2016.
11. Trauma management and the support from family and friends. Things and circumstances that made Alex, Alex, and the person who he became after meeting Henry.
12. The Mexican-American bisexual First Son, Alexander Claremont-Diaz, and his boyfriend, His Royal Highness, Prince Henry of Wales.

Life in the public eye can be harrowing and this book only touches upon that subject and the trauma ensuing from trying to keep up the appearances for the sake of meeting expectations. This issue conditions Henry’s existence and makes him appear bland to Alex, but hiding behind that mask, all his passions and earnestness, is a real human being reared up almost without any parent. Alex is made braver in love, Henry, more cautious. We get scenes of Henry running away so many times, him shutting out the world so many times, that it is impossible to see a happy ending for this story. The perfectly timed scandal brings the two closer and the defiance scene in the palace is something that is going to stay with me for a long time.

The obsession with family legacy and the reality of history are two very different and important aspects that are discussed in the novel. The historical evidence of eminent personalities and their not to straight sexuality, only proves that one’s sexual identity in no way hinders their works or demeans their talent. The historical sites that the protagonists live in, and the artifacts discussed in the course of the novel takes on new context as the two characters proceed to make history. It is highly unlikely that the romance would work out in the face of all the repercussions from both the nations, but it is history in the making.

This heart warming novel portrays the familial relations too well. Both Henry and Alex, come from broken homes, the ghosts of the past that follow them around are never too far. Frequent breakdowns and panic attacks in a gilded cage and in a blue wallpapered room, are so similar in character that only the one gets through to the other. But the two sisters of the protagonists, June and Bea, are the hidden jewels among the characters. How these two elder sisters stand up for their little brothers are support them throughout their conflicts and struggles, is impeccable. June and Nora readily agreeing to stage a diversion right after the scandal was leaked, along with Bea fighting off Prince Philip and standing up to their Gran, are something right out of fairytales where the princes are saved by their empowered sisters. The trauma of Luna is equally devastating and beautiful is how the Claremont-Diaz family made sure to make Luna feel included in the family. Leo being the supportive husband that Ellen needs to be Madam President/Mom, is something that is not easy to overlook, but the contribution remains largely acknowledged, and that is my only complain with the book.

Compassionate, devastatingly realistic, with a grounded plot that incorporates history, politics, racial and sexual discrimination, and people exploiting their position in life, Red, White and Royal Blue is breath of fresh air that I wish I had read before. Five out of five stars for this work of beauty with hopes of a sequel that gives us more glimpses for the couple living in NY and in pursuit of their own dreams together, the best of both worlds.