joseph cassara the house of impossible beauties

This novel makes sure to hit all the familiar beats from the documentary it is inspired by, as well as many seen throughout the two seasons of Pose which began airing not long after this novel was released.

The point of view switches between numerous characters, as they turn to sex work to survive, face the AIDS epidemic bringing their community to its knees, and find passion and glamour within the ball circuit. Inspired by members of the real House of Xtravaganza that are seen in the aforementioned documentary, The House of Impossible Beauties follows numerous gay and trans, Latinx individuals as they discover themselves, leave their homes, and eventually form the House of Xtravaganza as a family unit living in Harlem. Which isn’t by any means bad, but just left me a little empty when normally these subjects fill me with much more feeling. That is, I know these stories and have seen other media centered around this specific period of time and community, and found them all to be more engaging than this novel. I think this one really falls into a category of lesser-by-comparison. But then again, such as in the case of myself, you may simply think it is fine.

If you are interested in the history and energy of the queer ball scene of the 1980s/1990s - such as was immortalized in the documentary Paris is Burning –, you may love this book.

Joseph cassara the house of impossible beauties