Reviews

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!

hollyrebeccasmith's review against another edition

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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.

clare_tan_wenhui's review against another edition

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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