Blair Fell’s debut novel “Disco Witches of Fire Island” is a spellbinding blend of historical fiction, magical realism, and LGBTQ+ romance that masterfully captures the bittersweet reality of gay life during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. Set in the iconic Fire Island Pines in 1989, the novel weaves together themes of love, loss, community, and survival through a uniquely mystical lens.
A Dance of Light and Shadow: The Story
When twenty-nine-year-old Joe Agabian arrives on Fire Island with his best friend Ronnie, he’s hoping to escape the ghost of his past – specifically, the devastating loss of his boyfriend Elliot to AIDS. What begins as a summer of potential reinvention takes an unexpected turn when Joe meets the mysterious house cleaners Howie and Lenny, who harbor a magical secret: they’re part of a coven of disco witches who protect the island’s gay community through dance magic.
As Joe navigates his new job as a bartender at the struggling Asylum Harbor bar, he finds himself drawn to Fergal, the charismatic ferryman with webbed feet and an otherworldly connection to the sea. However, their budding romance is complicated by Joe’s unresolved trauma and Fergal’s HIV-positive status. Meanwhile, a mysterious figure known as the Gladiator Man begins appearing to Joe, representing both desire and danger.
Literary Elements That Shine
Character Development
The characters in “Disco Witches” are wonderfully complex and authentic. Joe’s struggle with grief and fear is particularly well-rendered, while the disco witches – Howie, Lenny, Dory, and Saint D’Norman – provide both comic relief and profound wisdom. Ronnie’s journey from superficial party boy to accepting his true nature as the fifth witch is especially compelling.
World-Building
Fell’s depiction of Fire Island Pines in 1989 is vivid and immersive. The author masterfully blends historical accuracy with magical elements, creating a world where disco magic feels not only possible but necessary for survival.
Writing Style
The prose alternates between playful and poignant, matching the dual nature of the story itself. Fell has a particular talent for dialogue that captures both the campy humor of gay culture and the deep pain of the AIDS crisis.
Thematic Depth: More Than Just Magic
Community and Chosen Family
The novel explores how marginalized communities create their own support systems and protective magic. The disco witches represent the real-life “magic” of queer elders who guided and protected younger generations.
Love in the Time of AIDS
The relationship between Joe and Fergal beautifully illustrates the complexity of love during the epidemic. Their story raises questions about risk, trust, and the courage to love despite uncertainty.
The Power of Dance
Dance becomes a metaphor for resistance, healing, and community connection. The disco witches’ magical practices through dance represent the transformative power of queer joy and celebration.
Areas for Improvement
While “Disco Witches” is a strong debut, there are some aspects that could be refined:
The pacing in the middle section occasionally lags
Some magical elements could be more clearly explained
A few minor characters feel underdeveloped
The resolution of certain subplots feels rushed
Cultural Impact and Relevance
The novel serves as both historical fiction and contemporary allegory. While set in 1989, its themes of community resilience, the fear of loving amid crisis, and the power of chosen family remain deeply relevant today.
Final Thoughts: Dancing Through the Darkness
“Disco Witches of Fire Island” is a remarkable achievement that manages to be both entertaining and profound. Blair Fell has created a unique narrative that honors the complexity of gay life during the AIDS crisis while offering hope through magic, community, and love.
What Works:
Rich, multidimensional characters
Unique blend of historical fiction and magical realism
Authentic representation of queer culture and community
Powerful emotional resonance
What Could Be Better:
Pacing issues in parts
Some unclear magical elements
Minor character development
For Fans Of
“The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune
“Tales of the City” by Armistead Maupin
“Less” by Andrew Sean Greer
Disclosure
I received an Advance Reader Copy of “Disco Witches of Fire Island” in exchange for an honest review. Like the magical energy flowing through the dance floor of the Promethean, this book worked its spell on me in unexpected ways. While I can’t promise you’ll levitate while reading it (though the disco witches might), I can guarantee an enchanting journey through one of the most challenging and transformative periods in LGBTQ+ history.