In these essays, Alex attempts to build two committed relationships at once when no one involved has done it before; develops a powerful bond with the woman their partner loves; sits through a tense Thanksgiving Dinner with religious in-laws; questions the need for rules and hierarchy in their relationships; experiences the intensity of a triad; wrestles with the fragility baked into the nuclear family after their father's stroke; and explores their queerness and gender identity in English, in New York, while struggling to reconcile their newfound self in their native French-Canadian language and culture.
Entwined explores the fuzzy lines between friendship, romance, and family with various essay forms, including a play, an advice column, and a love letter. Rather than wallowing in the throes of jealousy, this collection celebrates the hard work of creating a love life that resists conventional narratives.
"Entwined is a goddamn bible for poly-curious people."
-Chloe Caldwell (she/her), 37, questioning
"For Alex, polyamory is about creating a family. By getting to know them and their reality you gain entry to a world that might otherwise seem intimidating."
-Sofia M. (she/her), 64, mother of a polyamorous person
"Entwined is about the desire to create a life outside of capitalism, heteronormativity, and the patriarchy."
-Samantha Paige Rosen (she/her), 33, queer and monogamous
"Entwined had me captivated from start to finish. It will no doubt influence my approach to romance and family."
-Rio C. (she/her), 21, queer, trans, and curious about polyamory
"The variety in content and structure makes it a quick read. Entwined deepened my understanding of polyamory's possibilities; it's not all swinging and sex parties."
-Melissa Gopp-Warner (she/her), 43, queer/questioning and monogamous
"I laughed, cried, and felt my heart fill the fuck up."
- Dan D. (they), 36, queer and newly navigating non-monogamy within a lifelong partnership