The House of Impossible Beauties

Author/Guide: Joseph Cassara

Why a Booktrail?

1980s: Inspired by the real House of Xtravaganza made famous by the documentary “Paris Is Burning”

ISBN: 978-1786073143
Genre: Fiction, Inspired by true events, LGTBQ

Comment

What you need to know before your trail

It’s 1980 in New York City, and nowhere is the city’s glamour and energy better reflected than in the burgeoning Harlem ballroom scene, where seventeen-year-old Angel first comes into her own. Burned by her traumatic past, Angel is new to the drag world, and has a yearning to help create a family for those without. When she falls in love with Hector, a beautiful young man who dreams of becoming a professional dancer, the two decide to form the House of Xtravaganza, the first-ever all-Latino house in the ballroom circuit.

Into the house come Venus, a whip-smart trans girl who dreams of finding a rich man to take care of her; Juanito, a quiet boy who loves fabrics and design; and Daniel, a butch queen who accidentally saves Venus’ life. The Xtravaganzas must learn to navigate sex work, addiction and persistent abuse, leaning on each other as bulwarks against a world that resists them. All are ambitious, resilient and determined to control their own fates, even as they hurtle toward devastating consequences.

Locations

Reset

Travel Guide

New York and LGBTQ

Many of the characters who appears in the novel are based on historical figures and many of the locations are indeed real, if not since closed. However, the author is keen to point out that this is a fictional story inspired by the documentary Paris is burning and isn’t an actual account of the time although it does give a good impression of the lifestyle, problems and sense of community amongst gay and transgender people of that time.

The documentary “Paris is Burning which inspired much of the book, focuses on drag queens living in New York City and their “house” culture, which provides a sense of community and support for the flamboyant and often socially shunned performers. Groups from each house compete in elaborate balls that take cues from the world of fashion. The documentary and book also contain issues of racism and poverty.