Reviews tagging 'Deadnaming'

Boy Meets Maria by PEYO, Kōsei Eguchi

3 reviews

avidales's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

0.5

Reviewer is Trans and Nonbinary

Deeply disappointed and disturbed by this book. 
I was excited for this book and it's reported Trans/Gender nonconforming representation, however the the GRAPHIC assault of a child and the fact that this story is not about a transgender character made it unreadable to me.

The character Arima/Maria is AMAB (assigned male at birth) and forced to dress and live as a girl by his mother. He clearly from a young age did not want to dress or present as a girl and is obviously distressed by not living as a boy (his assigned gender). This is disturbing child abuse, not a trans or queer story. This "plot device" is utilized in many stories that confuse and misinform the audience about trans/gender nonconforming/nonbinary people, their lives, and why they are who they are. 

This is famously the same premise as the 1983 slasher horror "Sleep Away Camp" which has a AMAB child forced to live as a girl by his aunt which drives the child "mad" and goes on a killing spree. These type of narratives reinforce the myth that LGBTQ+ people are queer due to child abuse/assault. This is harmful as it implies that LGBTQ+ folks are broken/disturbed and takes away from their actual gender exploration and identity.

Very unfortunate especially because I enjoyed roughly the first 3rd of the book as the characters are likeable and Taiga's (the love interest of Arima) attempts to understand and show affection regardless of Arima's gender sweet despite his fumbling and naivete. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia, Pedophilia, Transphobia, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Rape

Moderate: Deadnaming, Death of parent, Homophobia, Domestic abuse, and Terminal illness

*Graphic* depiction of an elementary school child being sexually assaulted by their adult teacher. The teacher also brandishes a knife and threatens to mutilate the child's genitals. This story is not about a transgender character, the character Maria/Arima is AMAB (assigned male at birth) and forced to dress and live as a girl by his mother. He clearly from a young age did not want to dress or present as a girl and is obviously distressed by not living as a boy (his assigned gender).

elena_rios's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This was equal parts light hearted and devastating!! Please look up trigger warning prior to readings because the story moves fast and the unwarranted content just happens!!! There were parts that literally had me laughing aloud and other bits that’s gave me heart palpitations. I’m not sure what was discussed was explored as best as it could be. I almost feel that it was wrapped up in a bow without ever actually talking about the trauma of their childhoods.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Dysphoria, Misogyny, Self harm, Terminal illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Transphobia, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Sexual assault, Gaslighting, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Deadnaming, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Homophobia, Body shaming, Bullying, Grief, Cancer, and Emotional abuse

jolyne's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective tense fast-paced

3.25

I was not a fan of how detailed the child SA scene was and did not see a need to depict it in that way. The art is by far the best and most interesting part of this one-shot. Granted, I’m sure that I wasn’t the target audience as an American lesbian, and maybe the queer male audience does find that the story accurately and appropriately represents some of their experiences. It’s an extremely quick read so, if you’re on the fence, I’d say go for it. At least the art is gorgeous to look at (save for the pedophile moment). 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Pedophilia, Child abuse, Dysphoria, Hate crime, Rape, Transphobia, Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence

Moderate: Grief, Bullying, Deadnaming, Sexual content, Blood, and Toxic friendship