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Reviews tagging 'Homophobia'
Tuyo, con pasión: Un retelling de Orgullo y prejuicio by Gabe Cole Novoa
255 reviews
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
In the interest of full disclosure, this review is specifically regarding an ALC copy of the audiobook from Net Galley, so while I imagine this audiobook was pretty close to finalized, some details may have been changed between my copy and the official release.
The novel makes its themes and the overall message very clear to me, and I would say it’s successful at communicating the subject of an optimistic Regency-era romance for LGBT youth. I believe the strongest aspect here is the clear interest the author has in LGBT history and in incorporating it into this novel, and the weaker aspect is the conflict. Ultimately, I think a couple more rounds of line editing and tightening up the plot could have done it some good. The flow is natural and straight-forward. The exposition is relatively well-done, with the brevity that I think does very well for “younger” prose. The information is given to us when it’s relevant and it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb; info-dumping isn’t an issue in this. There’s a degree of repetition in verbiage, particularly towards the end, that bogged down some sentences.
I found the character dynamics very compelling. Regarding Mrs. Bennet’s dynamic with Oliver, I can understand that some people may have difficulty suspending their disbelief in a historical narrative in which someone who was pressuring their child to be a “respectable lady” accepts their transgender son. However, the particular kind of parent to trans children that Mrs. Bennet here falls into isn’t often portrayed, and I think trans youth need to see a wider breadth of familial dynamics in our media. Mrs. Bennet here reminds me of someone in my life who had difficulties accepting who I am out of fear for how people would treat me and my prospects in the world. I think if I had seen representation of such a dynamic when I was a closeted teenager, I might have had more hope for my own familial relationships surviving that particular strife. Mr. Bennet, who is much more accepting, reminds me so much of my father, one of the people who has stood by me the most in my transition, and I was very glad to be able to see a dynamic like that reflected here.
Taking believable historical dialogue and making it accessible to a modern reader was achieved here. It maintains a Regency ‘feel’ without sacrificing the quick, modern writing style. While I doubt it’s 100% accurate to the conventioms of the era, it reproduces the concept of historical speech well without being jarring. It seems like the author put a lot of effort into walking the line of portraying LGBT history and writing a positive story for modern LGBT youth. I was giddy to hear references to actual pieces of our history, such as Molly Houses woven into the narrative, and I was also impressed that the story overall takes an optimistic tone on portraying the complexities of historical trans and gay relationships.
The note at the end where the author talks about personally hoping there are many trans people in history who we simply don’t know existed because they weren’t outed is something that I really appreciate: there have been extremely difficult times for us, but there have also always been people who found each other and forged community regardless. I would definitely recommend this to any trans young adult looking for a sweet historical M/M romance that has some of our own history woven throughout it, as well as for someone looking to gift an appropriate and inclusive book to a young trans loved one. Overall, I felt a little too grown for the aged-down aspect of the novel, but I know if this book had been around ten years ago, it would have meant a lot to me. I’d definitely be interested in checking out the author’s other work.
(Edit: I’ve docked this book’s rating down from 4.5 to 4, because these past few months, it hasn’t really held up in my memory & it’s just not “for me”. It’s a 4 in that it’s well-made, good, and was a worthwhile read, but this book didn’t come out at a time where I was in the age bracket and life experience that it would’ve impacted me best: as a kid, a young teen in particular, I would have gotten a lot more from this book. I stand by everything in this review, but it just feels like this is a more adequate rating for how I feel about it.)
(Edit: I’ve docked this book’s rating down from 4.5 to 4, because these past few months, it hasn’t really held up in my memory & it’s just not “for me”. It’s a 4 in that it’s well-made, good, and was a worthwhile read, but this book didn’t come out at a time where I was in the age bracket and life experience that it would’ve impacted me best: as a kid, a young teen in particular, I would have gotten a lot more from this book. I stand by everything in this review, but it just feels like this is a more adequate rating for how I feel about it.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Dysphoria
Moderate: Homophobia, Misogyny, Transphobia, Outing
Minor: Stalking
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Homophobia, Transphobia
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia
Misgendering
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was absolutely adorable and such a delightful reimagining of Pride and Prejudice with Elizabeth Bennett as a trans man, Oliver. It is so easy to follow, especially if you're a Jane Austen hoe like I am! It's so familiar, and yet, still stands so strongly and uniquely on its own <3
Oliver and Darcy’s connection was silly goofy and had me giggling (because they captured the same disdain that I feel in every tv/movie adaptation hehehehe), but intense and serious at the same time. I loved that Darcy's backstory was reimagined as well, even Wickham's role in Darcy's reputation, and it made complete sense in the end. I was like, "omg gabe honey, that is SO clever, I love it!" The part where Darcy proposes to "Elizabeth" because he was so scared after he kissed Oliver was wild! I was yelling, "That's your man!" Anyway, I thought Darcy handled Oliver coming out to him so well, and him laughing and saying, "This makes so much sense now," was stunning. I was tearing up, and also cheesing so hard. I love these two!
I felt so deeply for Oliver as his mother and others called him by his deadname and constantly called him out for not being the “daughter” or “woman” that he was expected to be. It was rough and I felt every wince, but I appreciated the way that Novoa wrote Oliver’s journey overall. Novoa was tender and gentle, but unraveled Oliver's coming out so carefully.
The author’s note at the very end on historical accuracy when it comes to queer and trans folks during that time period was chef’s kiss. I will read anything Novoa writes, and this was the coziest, sweetest reimagining, and now I need a movie adaptation, thank you!
Oliver and Darcy’s connection was silly goofy and had me giggling (because they captured the same disdain that I feel in every tv/movie adaptation hehehehe), but intense and serious at the same time. I loved that Darcy's backstory was reimagined as well, even Wickham's role in Darcy's reputation, and it made complete sense in the end. I was like, "omg gabe honey, that is SO clever, I love it!"
I felt so deeply for Oliver as his mother and others called him by his deadname and constantly called him out for not being the “daughter” or “woman” that he was expected to be. It was rough and I felt every wince, but I appreciated the way that Novoa wrote Oliver’s journey overall. Novoa was tender and gentle, but unraveled Oliver's coming out so carefully.
The author’s note at the very end on historical accuracy when it comes to queer and trans folks during that time period was chef’s kiss. I will read anything Novoa writes, and this was the coziest, sweetest reimagining, and now I need a movie adaptation, thank you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Homophobia, Sexism, Transphobia, Outing
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I am actually having so many emotions about this book. First of all, let me say that the Remixed Classics series is one of my all time favorite ideas. I love taking well known stories and asking: but what if it was queer? what if they weren’t white? what if they weren’t men? This is the third one I’ve read and it’s just as amazing as the others and makes me so excited to read every one in the series.
Admittedly, I am not a huge fan of Pride and Prejudice. The general idea of the story and the way I’ve seen people interact and react to it has always been interesting to me though and I loved another reimagining of the story, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. I also love Gabe Cole Novoa’s writing in general, The Wicked Bargain is one of my top favorite reads so when I saw he was writing this and got approved for the ARC I was so pleased.
The thing that got to me the most, I think, was Oliver’s emotions and desires. The way he just wanted so badly to be himself and fought for it, even though it was so scary to do it. His relationship with Jane and his father got me a bit teary eyed more than once.
Each time Oliver came out, while not always intending to do so, I was braced for it to go horribly, but each time I was pleasantly surprised and reassured by the openness and pride that each character reacted with. I think between how society still reacts to trans people today and the way narratives for characters like Oliver usually go, I was expecting blatant and harsh transphobia. And while there was transphobia, for me the blows were softened by the acceptance of his sister, his father, and eventually Darcy and his mother. That being said, please still take care of yourself and know that there is still transphobia, homophobia, dysphoria, and misogyny that Oliver deals with throughout the book. Know what you can handle as a reader.
Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
Admittedly, I am not a huge fan of Pride and Prejudice. The general idea of the story and the way I’ve seen people interact and react to it has always been interesting to me though and I loved another reimagining of the story, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. I also love Gabe Cole Novoa’s writing in general, The Wicked Bargain is one of my top favorite reads so when I saw he was writing this and got approved for the ARC I was so pleased.
The thing that got to me the most, I think, was Oliver’s emotions and desires. The way he just wanted so badly to be himself and fought for it, even though it was so scary to do it. His relationship with Jane and his father got me a bit teary eyed more than once.
Each time Oliver came out, while not always intending to do so, I was braced for it to go horribly, but each time I was pleasantly surprised and reassured by the openness and pride that each character reacted with. I think between how society still reacts to trans people today and the way narratives for characters like Oliver usually go, I was expecting blatant and harsh transphobia. And while there was transphobia, for me the blows were softened by the acceptance of his sister, his father, and eventually Darcy and his mother. That being said, please still take care of yourself and know that there is still transphobia, homophobia, dysphoria, and misogyny that Oliver deals with throughout the book. Know what you can handle as a reader.
Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Homophobia, Misogyny, Transphobia, Outing, Dysphoria
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It’s London 1812 and Oliver feels trapped. Not just by the strict rules of society, but by the fact that everyone knows him as a girl named Elizabeth. Thus, he’s forced into dresses, to attend balls, and to look for a future husband. But pretending is getting more and more difficult.
Oliver finds solace in the moments he’s able to be out and about as himself. It’s there that he finds a connection with Darcy, and a glimpse into the life that he could have. However, his mother is getting more and more insistent about Oliver finding a suitor, so he will have to choose: a life of safety or a life of freedom.
Thanks to NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for an advanced copy of Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa to review! I will admit, I have never read Pride & Prejudice, but I know the general gist of the story, so I didn’t feel too lost. From what I know of Jane Austen, I felt like Novoa captured the tone and the essence pretty well! The characters especially are where the writing shines.
What I love about these remixed classics is that it takes a literary canon that is pretty straight and white washed and makes the stories more diverse. So, teens who are reading these things in school might pick up one of these and see themselves in the story. I’ve enjoyed the ones I’ve read so far, and I’m sure I will continue to enjoy them!
My only complaint about this book is that the ending felt a bit rushed. There were a few characters that did a complete 180 at the end with not a lot of build up to it (like Oliver’s mother), and I would have liked a little more development in those areas. But for the most part, the characters were well developed, even if there were a lot of them to keep track of.
I’d say if you love Pride & Prejudice, definitely check out this retelling when it comes out early next year!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Homophobia, Transphobia
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Outing
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Stalking
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I really enjoyed this - I know just enough about pride and prejudice to have appreciated this as a retelling without being bored by knowing every beat in advance (and it is a retelling, so while many of the beats are familiar, it functions quite well as its own story). Mostly this was extremely compelling as a coming of age/coming out story with a very articulate and sympathetic narrator. I read most of this in one day (mostly bc I had this as an eARC, which means I had it on my phone and I kept forgetting it was there - I started it when I was stuck at a Verizon store with nothing else to read and then it slipped my mind again).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Transphobia
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Misogyny, Sexism, Transphobia
Moderate: Homophobia, Outing
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This review is for an ARC.
I hands down loved this book and will be grabbing a physical copy as soon as it comes out. I laughed, argued, choked up in parts, and very nearly cried!
It was a fun and fairly quick read that doesn't, to my knowledge, force itself to stick too strictly to Austin's original P&P. It takes what parts it wants and plays with them fairly well in my opinion.
The author tries to stick to the originals writing style, and while I found it fairly easy to ignore/work through, it does lead to some awkward prose and stilted dialogue. Not unlike trying to jam on a sock that doesn't quite fit. Not horrible, but a little distracting when you notice. Still, the story and characters are more than enough to carry you through to the end. I love them, and love getting to see a queer retelling/inspired version of this story.
I hands down loved this book and will be grabbing a physical copy as soon as it comes out. I laughed, argued, choked up in parts, and very nearly cried!
It was a fun and fairly quick read that doesn't, to my knowledge, force itself to stick too strictly to Austin's original P&P. It takes what parts it wants and plays with them fairly well in my opinion.
The author tries to stick to the originals writing style, and while I found it fairly easy to ignore/work through, it does lead to some awkward prose and stilted dialogue. Not unlike trying to jam on a sock that doesn't quite fit. Not horrible, but a little distracting when you notice. Still, the story and characters are more than enough to carry you through to the end. I love them, and love getting to see a queer retelling/inspired version of this story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Homophobia, Misogyny, Transphobia
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
There were so many beautiful parts to this story. And there were some more concerning ones.
My 4 stars are entirely based on the fact that trans joy and euphoria are wonderfully depicted in the story. The minus one star is because while it is a very good retelling of the original, it also makes almost all character aside from Oliver very flat. And women are treated just as badly as in the original.
The story itself will not surprise anyone. Out of some P&P retellings I've read, this was very much the best. The story was very similar to the original for the most part but still managed to include a myriad of additional obstacles that came from Oliver being a trans boy.
Oliver, as a main character, iss wonderful. His struggles to be himself are so hearttouching in a world where it is very much frowned upon to be trans and fancy other boys.
The book mostly focuses on his trans experience in the setting and not much else. The nuances and additional fun parts of the original story are sacrificed for accentuating Olliver's story. Which is a good thing and a not so good thing at the same time.
I think it is very important to bring forward trans voices, and this book did just that. Told a well-known story from the POV of a trans person.
So many of Olliver's thoughts and feelings reflect the experiences trans individuals go through. His fears, joy, anxiety, and bravery are so palpable. I loved it.
Also, one of the most beautiful coming out scenes I've ever read is in this book.
BUT! While the trans and gay experience is highlighted and treated with perfect care, the same thing didn't apply to queer women in the story. The 1800s was a very problematic era for women and their rights, especially if they're queer. Yet this book keep so many of the archaic treatment of women untested that it was a bit uncomfortable (and a bit disappointing) by the end. It's a missed opportunity as at least 7 minor female characters are present in the story, two of which are queer. And yet, their status as helpless women is accepted, even by Olliver. He is outraged that he is treated the same way. Not because it is a bad thing, women are treated as second to men, but because he is a man so he shouldn't be treated like that.
I might be a bit harsh here because he voiced it multiple times, that fighting for being their true selves is important, but he iss the only one with actual possibility to go through with it.
And while he, as a trans and queer person, got his happy ending, the queer women in the story still needed to marry men to survive.
So in a way it was a bit misogynistic. Especially because if we bend history to fit in a happy ending for one person, we could've bent it a little more to include everyone.
Additionally, all characters besides Oliver and Darcy felt like just prompts, not real individuals.
Darcy. Oh Mr. Darcy. He is, as always, such a good love interest. I loved how his character as a queer man did not take away from the Darcyness. He is still prickly and rude. Though for the sake of being a YA book he's more awkward than grumpy.
Overall, this really is a wonderful YA P&P remix. The trans joy is so beautiful, and Darcy is just perfect. I do wish a tiny bit more focus was put on developing side-characters, and women, though.
My 4 stars are entirely based on the fact that trans joy and euphoria are wonderfully depicted in the story. The minus one star is because while it is a very good retelling of the original, it also makes almost all character aside from Oliver very flat. And women are treated just as badly as in the original.
The story itself will not surprise anyone. Out of some P&P retellings I've read, this was very much the best. The story was very similar to the original for the most part but still managed to include a myriad of additional obstacles that came from Oliver being a trans boy.
Oliver, as a main character, iss wonderful. His struggles to be himself are so hearttouching in a world where it is very much frowned upon to be trans and fancy other boys.
The book mostly focuses on his trans experience in the setting and not much else. The nuances and additional fun parts of the original story are sacrificed for accentuating Olliver's story. Which is a good thing and a not so good thing at the same time.
I think it is very important to bring forward trans voices, and this book did just that. Told a well-known story from the POV of a trans person.
So many of Olliver's thoughts and feelings reflect the experiences trans individuals go through. His fears, joy, anxiety, and bravery are so palpable. I loved it.
Also, one of the most beautiful coming out scenes I've ever read is in this book.
BUT! While the trans and gay experience is highlighted and treated with perfect care, the same thing didn't apply to queer women in the story. The 1800s was a very problematic era for women and their rights, especially if they're queer. Yet this book keep so many of the archaic treatment of women untested that it was a bit uncomfortable (and a bit disappointing) by the end. It's a missed opportunity as at least 7 minor female characters are present in the story, two of which are queer. And yet, their status as helpless women is accepted, even by Olliver. He is outraged that he is treated the same way. Not because it is a bad thing, women are treated as second to men, but because he is a man so he shouldn't be treated like that.
I might be a bit harsh here because he voiced it multiple times, that fighting for being their true selves is important, but he iss the only one with actual possibility to go through with it.
And while he, as a trans and queer person, got his happy ending, the queer women in the story still needed to marry men to survive.
So in a way it was a bit misogynistic. Especially because if we bend history to fit in a happy ending for one person, we could've bent it a little more to include everyone.
Additionally, all characters besides Oliver and Darcy felt like just prompts, not real individuals.
Darcy. Oh Mr. Darcy. He is, as always, such a good love interest. I loved how his character as a queer man did not take away from the Darcyness. He is still prickly and rude. Though for the sake of being a YA book he's more awkward than grumpy.
Overall, this really is a wonderful YA P&P remix. The trans joy is so beautiful, and Darcy is just perfect. I do wish a tiny bit more focus was put on developing side-characters, and women, though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Transphobia, Dysphoria