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toyajwilliams's review against another edition
4.0
I think a lot of people are going to focus on the ‘lack of plot’ but actually what you’ve got is a journey through an experience for trans people that is all on its own, a plot. It has a beginning, a middle and an end - for trans people, there often is no chance to experience this. I thought it was really beautifully written, if a little purple in places; when it was meant to be shocking, I was shocked and when it was meant to be moving, I was moved. I saw the facetious prose for what it was (I think people are forgetting that cis women often do have internalised misogyny and trans woman will have this too, if not more due to the pressure of society for them to ‘pass’).
I ended up crying as I read the scene where Katrina acted in the baby registry as if Reese was the pregnant one. The relationship they started to build was a soft one, and it made me very happy. My only gripe is the ending, because I don’t want to use my imagination if I’m reading a book (that’s what I’m here for!) and I feel although it seemed pretty much concrete what would happen, I felt they were still standing at a crossroads. I also would have loved more of Ames!
I ended up crying as I read the scene where Katrina acted in the baby registry as if Reese was the pregnant one. The relationship they started to build was a soft one, and it made me very happy. My only gripe is the ending, because I don’t want to use my imagination if I’m reading a book (that’s what I’m here for!) and I feel although it seemed pretty much concrete what would happen, I felt they were still standing at a crossroads. I also would have loved more of Ames!
hollyrebeccasmith's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Three years ago, Reese's seemingly fairytale life ended. She had had a committed girlfriend (Amy), a lovely home, and had even begun talking about finding a way to make a family with Amy. But then it all ended. Now, Reese is without Amy, sharing a quirky apartment with a friend, and has pretty much lost hope in being a mother.
Meanwhile, Amy, has detransitioned to Ames. He thought this would make life easier to navigate, but it so far it has meant a fair level of mediocrity. One bright spot is his romantic relationship--although it is with his boss, Katrina. Yet when Katrina gets pregnant, Ames sees is as an opportunity to not only be a parent, but to make a life with Katrina and Reese. Can these three people find a way to come together to have a baby?
Detransition, Baby is a wonderful debut novel by Torrey Peters. Peters paints real, flawed, sometimes lost, compelling, and heartfelt characters in Reese, Ames, and Katrina. Peters also isn't one to shy away from topics that may be uncomfortable, but is also able to handle them with both introspection and, at times, humor. Her impressive skills culminate in this highly engaging novel.
Meanwhile, Amy, has detransitioned to Ames. He thought this would make life easier to navigate, but it so far it has meant a fair level of mediocrity. One bright spot is his romantic relationship--although it is with his boss, Katrina. Yet when Katrina gets pregnant, Ames sees is as an opportunity to not only be a parent, but to make a life with Katrina and Reese. Can these three people find a way to come together to have a baby?
Detransition, Baby is a wonderful debut novel by Torrey Peters. Peters paints real, flawed, sometimes lost, compelling, and heartfelt characters in Reese, Ames, and Katrina. Peters also isn't one to shy away from topics that may be uncomfortable, but is also able to handle them with both introspection and, at times, humor. Her impressive skills culminate in this highly engaging novel.
clare_tan_wenhui's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
While this book is indeed an eye-opener into offer insight to the complexities behind gender norms, particularly for transgender, the amount of toxicity, loathing and abuse really does not endear and convince outsiders like me to be empathetic to their cause.
jennajean's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Loved the story and ending, found some of the dialogue a little didactic / preachy (though I appreciated the challenge of explaining aspects of queer / trans life to cis readers)
monica_moser's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
hazmatz's review against another edition
challenging
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
isadoralesteve's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
emptzuu's review against another edition
Despite the author's claim that the book wasn’t intended to educate about trans people or to encourage better allyship, it comes across as preachy with generalized, unredeemed statements. It’s an incoherent mess that needs significant editing. The prose is cluttered, making the narrative hard to follow. Characters lacked motivation and articulation, which made their actions and dialogues implausible.
The author mentioned writing the book to be funny and relevant to her friends, portraying trans people as ordinary, flawed individuals. However, it instead focuses on the internalization of abuse and violence, with characters stuck in victimhood and unhealthy relationships. Critics call this a social comedy, yet it’s a dark, painful read devoid of humor, with an overwhelmingly negative tone.
The book fetishizes pregnancy, abuse, and womanhood, presenting a violent, misogynistic view. Although I’m comfortable with BDSM and sexual themes as an avid romance reader, the book's linkage of these themes with misogyny was deeply problematic. The book is riddled with stereotypes and problematic views of cis women, portraying them as objects, submissive sluts, or good girls needing to be dominated. It’s troubling to link girlhood with submission in such a way.
Trans voices need more representation, but this book does a disservice to the community by perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The implication that trans women desire abuse from cis men is particularly troubling and potentially dangerous. The hypersexualization of both trans life and cis women is neither enjoyable nor constructive. I worry about the impact of this portrayal on both the trans community and broader societal perceptions. It would be refreshing to see well-written, non-victimizing, and well-rounded characters for once.
The author mentioned writing the book to be funny and relevant to her friends, portraying trans people as ordinary, flawed individuals. However, it instead focuses on the internalization of abuse and violence, with characters stuck in victimhood and unhealthy relationships. Critics call this a social comedy, yet it’s a dark, painful read devoid of humor, with an overwhelmingly negative tone.
The book fetishizes pregnancy, abuse, and womanhood, presenting a violent, misogynistic view. Although I’m comfortable with BDSM and sexual themes as an avid romance reader, the book's linkage of these themes with misogyny was deeply problematic. The book is riddled with stereotypes and problematic views of cis women, portraying them as objects, submissive sluts, or good girls needing to be dominated. It’s troubling to link girlhood with submission in such a way.
Trans voices need more representation, but this book does a disservice to the community by perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The implication that trans women desire abuse from cis men is particularly troubling and potentially dangerous. The hypersexualization of both trans life and cis women is neither enjoyable nor constructive. I worry about the impact of this portrayal on both the trans community and broader societal perceptions. It would be refreshing to see well-written, non-victimizing, and well-rounded characters for once.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Transphobia, and Misogyny
jm_thornback's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
taurustorus's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.75