Book Review: “Compound Fracture” by Andrew Joseph White

I’m at a loss for words regarding Compound Fracture by Andrew Joseph White. How could my praise do justice to the author’s impeccable storytelling and unflinching portrayal of trans lives and bodies? If you haven’t heard of this author before, you’re missing out.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

When I first heard about Andrew Joseph White’s debut novel (2022), Hell Followed With Us ( you can learn about my opinions here), a YA novel about a young trans man mutating into a monster meant for destruction, I immediately read and reviewed it. As a trans man whose fiction writing centers on trans characters being or becoming monsters, I am thankful for the author sharing these beautiful stories of trans bodies and monstrosities. His second novel, The Spirit Bares Its Teeth, is just as astonishing. Now he stuns readers, yours truly included, with his upcoming YA thriller, Compound Fracture.

Miles Abernathy’s family has a history of enduring oppression and systemic violence at the hands of the Davies family. In his rural hometown in Appalachia (Twist Creek, West Virginia), Sheriff Davies holds the upper hand. The novel begins with Miles coming out to his parents via email and then sneaking into a party one night. Armed with evidence of Sheriff Davies’ motives and involvement behind a past tragedy that has affected Miles’s family and family friends, he shares the photos with his friend Cooper. But then Miles ends up in the hospital. Although he couldn’t clearly recall the people who had physically assaulted him that night, he was sure that the Sheriff’s son and his friends were the perpetrators. A visit and threat from Sheriff Davies propels this notion.

Compound Fracture spins a story about injustice and the fight to uncover corruption. Miles’s research on the Abernathy family history reveals his trans great-great grandfather named Saint, a socialist. Saint led the coal miners’ rebellion against the people who exploited them a century ago. Law enforcement publicly executed Saint, and this cycle of violence has continued since. In the present narrative, Miles begins to see Saint’s ghost now and then as he digs further into his ancestor’s life later in the story.

But before moving on with my review, I want to point out how Andrew Joseph White magnificently dispels the stigma and misconceptions surrounding rednecks. Until I read Compound Fracture, the word redneck conjured images of poor country people with sunburned necks. However, what I saw on TV and in films misconstrue the historical significance associated with the population. Through Miles’s point of view, the readers learn that coal miners living in rural West Virginia who oppose lawlessness and poor working conditions would wear red bandanas on their necks. The author has truly opened my eyes to the region and its history. I’m positive that other readers unaware of the true meaning and origin of the word redneck will have the same experience.

Now let’s move on with my review: After having been released from the hospital, Miles encounters one of the perpetrators of the attack, which leads to an unfortunate incident. Now Miles, with the help of his friend Cooper, has to cover his tracks to avoid repercussions. The desire for revenge, however, swells. Miles, at first, does not agree with Cooper’s intentions afterward. Miles has to consider whether to stay back or break this vicious cycle between his family and Davies.

This novel is a compelling, unapologetic thriller with a dash of surrealism. Within those pages, you will face vivid imagery and memorable characters. Miles, autistic and a proud socialist, explores his gender and sexuality while interacting with Cooper, Dallas (who is nonbinary), and other characters. Miles’s parents’ reactions to him being trans evolve over time – their denial and confusion turning into understanding and acceptance throughout the story.

Compound Fracture also unravels the devastating effects of recurring violence and injustice in a family or community. After the first incident, Cooper gradually fixates on avenging Sheriff Davies’ damage to the community. Miles, conflicted, finds himself even more confused as his trans ancestor’s ghost appears more and more. Miles, a character to root for, eventually fights against the people who have persecuted his family and community for generations.

Compound Fracture will leave you speechless from beginning to end.

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Compound Fracture will be released by Peachtree Teen on September 3, 2024. Pre-order here.

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Check out the author’s website here.

Author: Bradda M.

Bradda M. currently lives in Virginia. He teaches ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) at a public school and spends his free time reading and watching movies each night with his partner. For The Geekiary, he writes about webcomics and SFF media.

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