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2.99k reviews for:
Stone Butch Blues: 20th Anniversary Author Edition
Leslie Feinberg, Leslie Feinberg
4.67 AVERAGE
2.99k reviews for:
Stone Butch Blues: 20th Anniversary Author Edition
Leslie Feinberg, Leslie Feinberg
4.67 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
This is a really tough read, I got to chapter 4 which included a graphic description of group rape and I just couldn’t read more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Rape, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, Antisemitism
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Literarily, this is not a good book.
Feinberg chose to write this novel in first person, and the voice of the narrator remains childish and without depth for much of the novel. Perhaps this was deliberate, to emphasize that Jess's thinking had not matured. However, it came off to me that in many spots in the novel, the author did not know/remember how these situations would feel.
Feinberg also uses a lot of gay/trans archetypes as characters, as well as placing in the novel pretty much every shitty experience a lesbian or trans guy could have possibly had since the 1950s. Writing in absolutely as much of the "butch" experience as they possibly could. I think maybe it is that this book feels assembled rather than written that is the problem for me. Also, most of the characters indulge in a lot of annoying speechifying, especially in the latter half or third of the book. (Show, don't tell!) I can't suspend my disbelief for prose that sounds like an afterschool special.
Like Uncle Tom's Cabin, this book is propaganda dressed up as a novel. It doesn't matter that I wholeheartedly agree with the message that both books deliver (oppression is bad, all people have feelings, don't be a dick), the reason they are important works is because of the message and not for any inherent literary value.
Feinberg chose to write this novel in first person, and the voice of the narrator remains childish and without depth for much of the novel. Perhaps this was deliberate, to emphasize that Jess's thinking had not matured. However, it came off to me that in many spots in the novel, the author did not know/remember how these situations would feel.
Feinberg also uses a lot of gay/trans archetypes as characters, as well as placing in the novel pretty much every shitty experience a lesbian or trans guy could have possibly had since the 1950s. Writing in absolutely as much of the "butch" experience as they possibly could. I think maybe it is that this book feels assembled rather than written that is the problem for me. Also, most of the characters indulge in a lot of annoying speechifying, especially in the latter half or third of the book. (Show, don't tell!) I can't suspend my disbelief for prose that sounds like an afterschool special.
Like Uncle Tom's Cabin, this book is propaganda dressed up as a novel. It doesn't matter that I wholeheartedly agree with the message that both books deliver (oppression is bad, all people have feelings, don't be a dick), the reason they are important works is because of the message and not for any inherent literary value.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
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:
Complicated
a truly life-changing read that transcends its time. seeing my own self and experiences reflected so closely in jess' life was equal parts gut-wrenching and comforting. i think i'll hold this book with me for the rest of my life.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, Rape, Sexual violence, Transphobia
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Hate crime, Homophobia, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Police brutality, Medical trauma, Dysphoria
Insightful, heart wrenching, wonderful. Gender queer history x unionism? Dreams come true! X
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I read this on my phone, hence why it took me so long to read! (I was basically reading it when I didn't have a physical book with me. It is no reflection on how incredible the book is.) What an eye opening and real account of the ways in which society treats queer/trans people - especially those who visually don't fit into a box - and the toll it has on mental health. It's devastating how much this rings true with what is happening today - it literally could have been written yesterday. At a time when trans rights are being eroded and trans people are being demonised, this book is needed more than ever.