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Invert
In an alternative history 1950s, where atomic war was waged on the US during World War II, birth rates are dangerously low. As a result, The Department of Virtue was founded to ensure that not only are people procreating, but they're doing it the right way. The Virtuous Family is a ubiquitous reminder of all that Americans should strive to be.
Greer's life is ruled by the DOV. An invert reformed in one of the nation's many Sanctuaries, he is employed as a "Screw" (Sex Crime Worker). It's his job to entrap other men into making advances so they can be arrested and similarly "reformed". His wife, Alice, is a cured invert as well, prescribed by the state and ordered to attempt procreation. By chance, they have met another invert couple, Bill and Sally. Their romance must remain a secret, or else they may not be given another chance. For Greer, there are eyes in every window and shadows down every side street waiting to catch him slip.
When Greer is assigned Matthews as a new partner, he has to wonder if this man is a plant, meant to keep an eye on him, or if this new Screw is just another victim of Virtue.
Greer's life is ruled by the DOV. An invert reformed in one of the nation's many Sanctuaries, he is employed as a "Screw" (Sex Crime Worker). It's his job to entrap other men into making advances so they can be arrested and similarly "reformed". His wife, Alice, is a cured invert as well, prescribed by the state and ordered to attempt procreation. By chance, they have met another invert couple, Bill and Sally. Their romance must remain a secret, or else they may not be given another chance. For Greer, there are eyes in every window and shadows down every side street waiting to catch him slip.
When Greer is assigned Matthews as a new partner, he has to wonder if this man is a plant, meant to keep an eye on him, or if this new Screw is just another victim of Virtue.
Paperback
First published May 30, 2022
3 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Clinton W. Waters
13 books52 followersBorn and raised in Bowling Green, KY, Clinton W. Waters holds a degree in Creative Writing from W.K.U. Their work has been featured in university publications from W.K.U. and the University of Regensburg. They are the lead writer for Ionic Comics and their webcomic Variants.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 13, 2023
Wow!!! A fantastic queer mashup of all the dustopian big-brother-is-watching classics. Not exactly a happy ending though~
August 27, 2023
Fuuuuuuuuck this one hurts. For romance friends, this isn't a romance (but does have queer relationships on page).
Major CWs for conversion therapy and homophobia, really appreciated the authors note at the front.
This is set in a past historical world where a division of the government has spies and snoops to "weed out" queer people, and either kill or ship them off to conversion therapy camps. This was fucked on so many levels. It's a 5/5 painfully heartwrenching, heart hurting, need to go read something happy star read.
Major CWs for conversion therapy and homophobia, really appreciated the authors note at the front.
This is set in a past historical world where a division of the government has spies and snoops to "weed out" queer people, and either kill or ship them off to conversion therapy camps. This was fucked on so many levels. It's a 5/5 painfully heartwrenching, heart hurting, need to go read something happy star read.
February 14, 2023
I was completely engrossed by this historical dystopian noir that revolves around police entrapment of queer people and conversion therapy. Highly recommended if you're in a place where the subject matter works for you, especially if you're a fan of alternate histories, interpersonal intrigue, and main characters who are doing the best they can to maintain a life under an oppressive system. Waters is a talented writer and I'll be digging into more of their work, for sure.
To be completely clear since many of my Goodreads peeps are citizens of Romancelandia: NOT A ROMANCE. Noir and the HEA/HFN don't go together.
To be completely clear since many of my Goodreads peeps are citizens of Romancelandia: NOT A ROMANCE. Noir and the HEA/HFN don't go together.
March 28, 2024
I read this for the 'Outside my Comfort Zone' square on the Trans Rights Readathon bingo card and it fulfilled the brief. A very plausible alt-historical dystopian that left me with a feeling of sinking dread and horror, so . . . definitely not my usual jam. Very well done, though!
I have a number of other books by this author on my e-reader, so I will continue reading through the backlist. I do want to re-read ~30~ at some point, as well, which was my introduction to this author, and had similarly devastating (but maybe just a touch more brilliant) ending.
I have a number of other books by this author on my e-reader, so I will continue reading through the backlist. I do want to re-read ~30~ at some point, as well, which was my introduction to this author, and had similarly devastating (but maybe just a touch more brilliant) ending.
May 24, 2022
Well, Waters has done it again! Invert was a gut wrenching, heartbreaking read.
The story anchors itself in a dystopian setting where queerness (and lewdness and seemingly anything outside heteronormativity and procreation) is outlawed. Conversion therapy is used on queer individuals to “help” them fall in line with the Christian American ideal.
Although this story is a work of fiction, the fears and challenges the characters face within its pages are very real. Waters encourages readers to face the horror of conversion therapy, the complexity and richness of queer love, and the pain of leading a double-life. Invert also serves as a stark warning against purity culture, obsessive nationalism, and homophobia.
Invert is a quick, gripping read. I found myself craving more information, but only because its brevity is such a gut punch. This slim volume will haunt your thoughts for quite some time after you finish the last page.
The story anchors itself in a dystopian setting where queerness (and lewdness and seemingly anything outside heteronormativity and procreation) is outlawed. Conversion therapy is used on queer individuals to “help” them fall in line with the Christian American ideal.
Although this story is a work of fiction, the fears and challenges the characters face within its pages are very real. Waters encourages readers to face the horror of conversion therapy, the complexity and richness of queer love, and the pain of leading a double-life. Invert also serves as a stark warning against purity culture, obsessive nationalism, and homophobia.
Invert is a quick, gripping read. I found myself craving more information, but only because its brevity is such a gut punch. This slim volume will haunt your thoughts for quite some time after you finish the last page.
March 20, 2023
This is a very interesting book that deals with the horror of conversion therapy in an alternate 50s Noir AU. It ripped my spine out through my back and stomped on it several times! (/positive).
Please note that this is NOT a romance, it does not have a HFN or HEA ending. While it is short (i read it in one sitting), it left me thinking for a long time after I finished reading it.
Please note that this is NOT a romance, it does not have a HFN or HEA ending. While it is short (i read it in one sitting), it left me thinking for a long time after I finished reading it.
March 23, 2023
DAMN?? This reminded me so much of 1984 in the good ways
April 20, 2023
A grim, 1984-esque novel where the totalitarian government has established the Department Of Virtue to trap LGBT people, using, of course, others to do so.
This novel captures the fear of being found out, the terror of being closeted, and the shame of turning others over to save yourself in such a world as this one depicts. Sometimes you won't like Greer very much, but at other times you understand he is only trying to survive in a world that has made survival impossible.
I loved Alice, Greer's wife. She could have been cast as a cruel, heteronormative, zealot wife that he's forced to cheat on, but instead, she's a lesbian coconspirator who is also doing her best to make the most of the horrible situation they've been thrust into.
The writing captures emotions well. I was wholly immersed in Greer's frustrated, tormented hopelessness at his life and sparse, bright moments of joy when he was able to meet up with Bill. I couldn't put this book down, and while I knew exactly how it would end, it was a logical conclusion for this type of novel.
This novel captures the fear of being found out, the terror of being closeted, and the shame of turning others over to save yourself in such a world as this one depicts. Sometimes you won't like Greer very much, but at other times you understand he is only trying to survive in a world that has made survival impossible.
I loved Alice, Greer's wife. She could have been cast as a cruel, heteronormative, zealot wife that he's forced to cheat on, but instead, she's a lesbian coconspirator who is also doing her best to make the most of the horrible situation they've been thrust into.
The writing captures emotions well. I was wholly immersed in Greer's frustrated, tormented hopelessness at his life and sparse, bright moments of joy when he was able to meet up with Bill. I couldn't put this book down, and while I knew exactly how it would end, it was a logical conclusion for this type of novel.
May 17, 2022
Some books hit you like a ton of bricks and open your eyes to something much bigger than yourself. That was this book for me when it comes to conversion therapy.
A walk in the shoes of someone who has no choice but to hide who they are in order to know real love, Invert had me really digging deep to consider what I would do in similar situations. As Greer tries to make his way through his double-life unscathed, I identified with his anguish and worried for him at every turn. With a job as an undercover “screw,” I just knew it was a matter of time before things went sideways. When he does fall victim to someone he trusted because of circumstances out of his control, I felt his betrayal and pain on a personal level.
This book is a roller coaster ride of emotions, but crafted like a fine wine and very well written. In Waters’ signature minimalist style, I loved how this new novel has us looking inward more than ever before. They really had something to say with this book, and it shows! Highly recommend this read.
A walk in the shoes of someone who has no choice but to hide who they are in order to know real love, Invert had me really digging deep to consider what I would do in similar situations. As Greer tries to make his way through his double-life unscathed, I identified with his anguish and worried for him at every turn. With a job as an undercover “screw,” I just knew it was a matter of time before things went sideways. When he does fall victim to someone he trusted because of circumstances out of his control, I felt his betrayal and pain on a personal level.
This book is a roller coaster ride of emotions, but crafted like a fine wine and very well written. In Waters’ signature minimalist style, I loved how this new novel has us looking inward more than ever before. They really had something to say with this book, and it shows! Highly recommend this read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2022
This hits hard.
The best thing I can say about any book is whether or not it affected me emotionally, and this left me angry.
While I think anyone could pick this up and enjoy the characters and themes, it's particularly hard hitting for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, who know something like this is not far off from being what reality was for gay, lesbian, and trans people not that long ago. The sad thing is, for all the progress that has been made, it's not that far off from what still is currently happening in the world.
There is a good tone set for how downright dreary and claustrophobic the environment is. The tension and paranoia among characters is palpable. You don't know who to trust or what will happen, and it keeps you on edge until the very end.
An extremely solid, if not perhaps deeply unsettling read.
The best thing I can say about any book is whether or not it affected me emotionally, and this left me angry.
While I think anyone could pick this up and enjoy the characters and themes, it's particularly hard hitting for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, who know something like this is not far off from being what reality was for gay, lesbian, and trans people not that long ago. The sad thing is, for all the progress that has been made, it's not that far off from what still is currently happening in the world.
There is a good tone set for how downright dreary and claustrophobic the environment is. The tension and paranoia among characters is palpable. You don't know who to trust or what will happen, and it keeps you on edge until the very end.
An extremely solid, if not perhaps deeply unsettling read.
May 20, 2022
I had the pleasure of getting to read this book as an advanced reader. As someone who has a hard time maintaining focus, it's often difficult to find something to maintain my interest. This story scoffed at the challenge. I read this over the course of two sittings.
It is a beautifully written, all too real tale of what it's like to be gay in a world who believes you're wrong for just existing. This book had me on the edge of seat with anticipation. There are very well written "intimate" scenes that I loved. The ending incorporates one of my biggest fears, so I most certainly cried at the end.
Invert is 100% worth the read and I will recommend this to literally everyone I come into contact with!!
It is a beautifully written, all too real tale of what it's like to be gay in a world who believes you're wrong for just existing. This book had me on the edge of seat with anticipation. There are very well written "intimate" scenes that I loved. The ending incorporates one of my biggest fears, so I most certainly cried at the end.
Invert is 100% worth the read and I will recommend this to literally everyone I come into contact with!!
June 1, 2022
Invert felt like a punch in the face from start to finish. In an alternate post war America, Greer and his wife Alice live in an alarmingly plausible dystopia. They live a double life as “reformed” homosexuals and model citizens and need to conceive a child so they won’t be sent back to conversion therapy. Greer works as an agent with the Department of Virtue, and has to train a new partner. When his superiors send that new partner to live with Greer and Alice, things get much more complicated. This story of survival and staying true to oneself despite the consequences is a harrowing look at the world we could slip into. Waters tells the story well and weaves in a vicious plot twist that turns the entire narrative upside down. Heartbreaking and raw, INVERT is absolutely worth the read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2022
This one hurt.
Waters does an amazing job of immersing you in the world and characters of Invert.
The setting and circumstances are that of a long forgotten world for some, but ever present reality for others, and that is where the difficulty in reading this comes into play.
It's courageous of Waters to write about such a topic, and I'm grateful to have gotten a peek inside their mind.
The writing was phenomenal, as always, and the twists truly caught me off guard.
Waters does an amazing job of immersing you in the world and characters of Invert.
The setting and circumstances are that of a long forgotten world for some, but ever present reality for others, and that is where the difficulty in reading this comes into play.
It's courageous of Waters to write about such a topic, and I'm grateful to have gotten a peek inside their mind.
The writing was phenomenal, as always, and the twists truly caught me off guard.
June 15, 2022
INVERT
INVERT was a wonderful story set in a 50ish Detective timeline mixed with futuristic circumstances one of the themes of Clinton W Waters writing style
As the motif a Gay Son I got a new insight into the fears that are still around today
How quickly we could move backwards with what freedoms that have been won
As with most of Waters writings they truly make you think
Well done
I will be recommending
Teresa
INVERT was a wonderful story set in a 50ish Detective timeline mixed with futuristic circumstances one of the themes of Clinton W Waters writing style
As the motif a Gay Son I got a new insight into the fears that are still around today
How quickly we could move backwards with what freedoms that have been won
As with most of Waters writings they truly make you think
Well done
I will be recommending
Teresa
May 28, 2022
I received an advance copy of INVERT, and blazed through it in a couple of days. This is a fast, intriguing, and beautifully-written story! I'm looking forward to more from Waters in the future. Highly recommended!
July 19, 2023
This author is sooo good at coming up with amazing and unique ideas and executes them so well even in such a short word count. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I’ve loved both!! He is so good at writing characters that just feel human, they all have flaws not in like an evil way but just a way that all us humans do and I love that about their writing. Can’t wait to read more by them!
It touches on some really interesting themes on conversion therapy in an alternative 50s? Ish world with the mc been a detective, a perfect noir setting but with the conversion twist. I really enjoyed this read and would definitely recommend it!
June 5, 2023
This was such a fantastic, powerful book. As Reis Asher mentioned, it does have a strong 1984 feel to it. In the preliminary pages, the author shares that conversion therapy is still something that many LGBTQ children and adults are subjected to. With that lens, we are introduced to a world where conversion therapy is the norm, and those who have endured it are forced to entrap those who haven't yet. It's a tough topic, but Waters does a great job of telling a story showing readers that these procedures are nothing more than methods of torture. And while it does have a message to share, the story sucks you in and never feels forced or preachy. I found the structure of betrayal especially unnerving. To outlaw specific types of love, torture people and then force them to turn on the only people they could potentially trust seems so ....well... just awful for the sake of being awful. Where I live, there have been a few bills to outlaw conversion therapy, but they've never passed. I hope that the fight against this practice will continue until no one ever has to experience it again.
March 25, 2023
I liked the 1950s suburban dystopia noir setting, but the plot didn’t come together imo.
I get that this is intended to be within the horror genre, but if you choose to go so dark with the initial premise, I think you have to be saying something *about* that darkness with the rest of the story. Here, the ending just seemed to be saying “see? What was bad at the beginning is still bad!”
I guess I think the length didn’t quite work. It should either have been shorter - just vibes, and then I think there would be no expectation that the concept be given further depth over the course of the story - or a full-length novella/novel, with a full plot and themes that are developed as the story goes along.
Like I said, I liked the vibes/concept, and I thought the writing and some of the characterizations were strong, so I would be interested in reading more from this author in the future (or even a novel-length version of this tbh!). But this specific piece didn’t quite succeed for me.
I get that this is intended to be within the horror genre, but if you choose to go so dark with the initial premise, I think you have to be saying something *about* that darkness with the rest of the story. Here, the ending just seemed to be saying “see? What was bad at the beginning is still bad!”
I guess I think the length didn’t quite work. It should either have been shorter - just vibes, and then I think there would be no expectation that the concept be given further depth over the course of the story - or a full-length novella/novel, with a full plot and themes that are developed as the story goes along.
Like I said, I liked the vibes/concept, and I thought the writing and some of the characterizations were strong, so I would be interested in reading more from this author in the future (or even a novel-length version of this tbh!). But this specific piece didn’t quite succeed for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2022
This story BROKE ME. It’s been hours since I finished it and it’s still the only thing on my mind. It’s outside my preferred genre and yet it was the quickest read I’ve had this year. I was hooked from the beginning of the story and the world building kept its claws in me. INVERT is a one of a kind experience that I wish I could relive again and again. What a wonderful afternoon spent devouring this tale!! Can’t wait to read more from this beautiful mind.
January 13, 2024
I kept thinking to myself while reading it that there was no way this book was going to end well and you know what? I was fucking right.
This was absolutely soul shattering.
This was absolutely soul shattering.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews