Lote

Back of the Book

Solitary Mathilda has long been enamored with the ‘Bright Young Things’ of the 20s, and throughout her life, her attempts at reinvention have mirrored their extravagance and artfulness. After discovering a photograph of the forgotten Black modernist poet Hermia Druitt, who ran in the same circles as the Bright Young Things that she adores, Mathilda becomes transfixed and resolves to learn as much as she can about the mysterious figure. Her search brings her to a peculiar artists’ residency in Dun, a small European town Hermia was known to have lived in during the 30s. The artists’ residency throws her deeper into a lattice of secrets and secret societies that takes hold of her aesthetic imagination, but will she be able to break the thrall of her Transfixions?

From champagne theft and Black Modernisms, to art sabotage, alchemy and lotus-eating proto-luxury communist cults, Mathilda’s journey through modes of aesthetic expression guides her to truth and the convoluted ways it is made and obscured.

Why You Should Read It

Lote is a captivating exploration of identity, aesthetics, and the power of imagination. The novel stands out for its poetic prose and its ability to weave together a rich tapestry of ideas. Von Reinhold's narrative voice is both distinctive and compelling, inviting readers into a world where art, history, and personal identity intersect. The novel's strength lies in its ability to challenge conventional notions of gender, race, and societal expectations while maintaining a narrative elegance. For those seeking a thought-provoking and beautifully crafted novel, Lote blurs boundaries and celebrates the diversity of human experience.

Memorable Passage

With each Escape…I was brought closer to my Transfixions, each vanishing act pulling me towards the unknown source of an ache first felt years ago… Somewhere Arcadian; perhaps a garden with charming people.

About the Author

Shola Von Reinhold is a contemporary Scottish writer celebrated for their unique voice and contributions to literature. While details about Von Reinhold's life may be limited, their impact as an emerging force in the literary world is palpable. Von Reinhold's work, including the novel Lote, reflects a commitment to exploring identity, aesthetics, and the boundaries of traditional storytelling. With a distinctive narrative style, they invite readers to engage with themes of gender, race, and personal expression in novel and thought-provoking ways. Von Reinhold's significance lies in their ability to challenge and expand literary conventions, offering a fresh and compelling perspective that resonates with readers seeking diverse and innovative narratives.

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