TLP @ An Unlikely Story

In-person event in conversation with TBD

We’re thrilled to welcome author Milo Todd to discuss his debut novel, The Lilac People. A moving and deeply humane story, The Lilac People tells the story of a trans man who must relinquish the freedoms of prewar Berlin to survive first the Nazis and then the Allies, all while protecting the ones he loves, for readers of All the Light We Cannot See and In Memoriam.

From Maddie Recommends:

Todd’s debut is the World War II-era, trans-driven historical fiction that I’ve been waiting for. Erasure is rampant in trans history, but through the stories of Bertie, Gert, and Sophie, Todd’s novel allows us to remember and honor the queer and trans heroes who blazed the trail to progress. His vivid depiction of Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld at the Institute of Sexual Science and the horrifying treatment trans people endured following the war reminds us of the greatness and grief in the history of trans people, and what is at stake for this still marginalized group today. The Lilac People is a critical addition to the World War II historical fiction canon and an act of revolution in its own right.

From Bill Recommends:

THE LILAC PEOPLE by Milo Todd is a heart-wrenching novel that details the plight of trans men before, during, and after The Holocaust. Following two timelines, we experience the wonders of pre-war Berlin, and we learn all about the Hirschfield Institute of Sexual Science while also holding our breath as Bertie and his wife take on the identities of an elderly couple. They soon realize they can’t hide, because the Americans, when freeing everyone from the concentration camps, jailed anyone with a pink or black star. These poor people went from one Hell to another. Can they escape to the United States? It’s a powerful story well told, and this could be a great book club choice.

Please note that photography/video recording during this event is prohibited. Milo will discuss his novel, answer questions, and sign books. Tickets are required for this event.