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octobermontoya's review
adventurous
funny
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
Pretend It's My Body is a collection of short stories that cover everything from cross-country travel, to psychic trans teens, to tornado survival, to body abandonment. Transness, living between genders, dysphoria, and family-of-orgin relationships are threads that follow the reader through the varied essays. The book is magical and surreal, sometimes sad and tense, but always interesting and creative.
Content Warnings
Minor: Transphobia
savvylit's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
Luke Dani Blue's debut collection reveals a formidable talent and distinct authorial voice. The most memorable stories in Pretend It's My Body blend dry, dark humor with surreal occurrences. In one story, a bottomless hole is installed in a woman's backyard. In another, a person decides to transcend humanity and upload their consciousness to the cloud.
Blue's use of the surreal is at its most effective when exploring topics of gender identity, sexuality, and dysphoria. Never have I read fiction that so readily represents the full spectrum of gender identity. While a few of the stories in this collection did fall flat for me, I'd still recommend Pretend It's My Body to anyone who enjoys slow-burn surrealism and the queer gaze.
Many thanks to Feminist Press for the uncorrected proof in exchange for my honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Blue's use of the surreal is at its most effective when exploring topics of gender identity, sexuality, and dysphoria. Never have I read fiction that so readily represents the full spectrum of gender identity. While a few of the stories in this collection did fall flat for me, I'd still recommend Pretend It's My Body to anyone who enjoys slow-burn surrealism and the queer gaze.
Many thanks to Feminist Press for the uncorrected proof in exchange for my honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Body horror, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Transphobia
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