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3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I don't think the author has ever been really close with a trans person, and while that isn't a sin, it does mean I strongly disliked the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Transphobia
I was captivated in the beginning with Mary Shelley as a narrator. I found the stream of consciousness in the second chapter so tedious I quit.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I found the concept of this book extremely intriguing and was very excited to read it. Unfortunately, the gorgeous prose and unique voice do not prevent the plot from being strangled with misogyny and transphobia. Referring to a transmasculine character as something between a man and a woman because he chooses not to have bottom surgery, and then constantly having his love interest insistent he isnt gay felt disingenuous at best. The way the various timelines are intertwined is beautifully done, but try as I might I could not care about any of the characters or the plot development.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Rape, Transphobia
Moderate: Child death, Deadnaming
Minor: Antisemitism
dark
reflective
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
medium-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
Trans humanism and transition and what does it mean to be human. And Mary Shelley and her creation, looping with modern day mirrors.
The themes are riveting and very current. The novel stands out for its form, as is usually the case with Jeanette Winterson. I was unable to fully connect with the text, however, which hindered my experience and ability to engage with it.
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Transphobia