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libraryofindra's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Lesbophobia, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, War, Death of parent, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Animal death, Suicide, Mental illness, Racial slurs, and Racism
Minor: Sexism, Racial slurs, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Racism, and Medical content
thepucegoose's review
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I found this novel pretty fascinating from a social history perspective, particularly when considering early 20th century conceptions of queer, experiences of gender dysphoria and the way in which identity relating to this was conceptualised. It also gives an insight into the communities and lives of those who we might now consider to be transmasculine and their partners at the time the novel was written. If that sounds like your jam, I'd highly reccommend this novel as a really curious and engaging read. Stephen is a compelling protagonist, although the other characters are somewhat less developed; however, given the book's focus on Stephen's identity as the central element, this isn't a significant detriment. This novel also has an interesting consideration of the dynamics that can exist between a mother and her queer child that I think many will find relatable to this day.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Transphobia
Moderate: Chronic illness, Medical content, and Misogyny
Minor: Racial slurs and Racism
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