Reviews tagging 'Death'

Sirena Selena by Mayra Santos-Febres, Stephen A. Lytle

1 review

balladofreadingqueer's review against another edition

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slow-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

4.0

I enjoyed this book a lot, but it was slow to get into and took me longer to read than other books of similar length.

It centres on young queer/trans boys and performers in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Sirena Selena is a young teenager who lived and worked on the street before becoming a performer. Her mentor (also a trans woman) brings her to the Dominican Republic where she performs in the hopes or  securing a spot performing in a hotel. However, during this time a wealthy businessman falls for Sirena and hires her for his own private party.

It also mixes with a story of a beautiful young boy in the Dominican Republic whose mother brings him to another woman to care for because his beauty draws unwanted attention from men.

Intertwining these stories Santos-Febres tells of the lives of poor trans women, performers, sex workers and friends. It also discusses homophobia/transphobia, sexual abuse, rape and paedophilia. It also shows the drive, passion and resistance of these young queer people as they strive to manipulate their limited options to best suit their wants and desires.

Would recommend <\spoiler>
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