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felishacb's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
As a cis person who is "constantly exploring the evolution of my relationship to gender as a construct, and my own indentit(ies),"* I also think this book is a generous bridge offered to cis folks.
Cis folks and conventional tropes of heteronormativity are referred to as 'dinosaurs' or 'the way of the dinosaurs' in this book, with familiarity, exhaustion, derision, and acceptance. I can see why people who are scared of removing boxes and barriers might find this scary, but trans people (and this book) make it very clear that you are invited to expand, too. Find out what lies beneath and between the labels you did not pick
McCarthy doesn't only show, rather than tell you, River's story in Man O' War; McCarthy's words help the reader *feel* the story.
The metaphor and parallels with marine biology and the man of war, specifically, offer an extra layer to understand the main character's story. McCarthy talks about how this piece helped illustrate the "cultural captivity" River feels being closeted, and how McCarthy felt growing up.
One reason this book will stick with me is the ability that McCarthy has to show the fluidity and flexibility of gender and expression in an authentic, organic way for both Indy and River. (The best names, btw!).
McCarthy also explores how River's Lebanese mother and background play into their life. There are discussion of race, Islamaphobia and colorism while still allowing River to exist as an individual who experiences life through a variety of lenses.
*quote from Rebecca Minor
Graphic: Dysphoria, Homophobia, and Transphobia
Moderate: Lesbophobia, Acephobia/Arophobia, Outing, and Sexual content
Minor: Blood, Self harm, Medical content, Sexism, Racism, Islamophobia, Confinement, and Deadnaming
garlinds's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexism, and Transphobia
Moderate: Mental illness, Sexual harassment, and Racism
Minor: Islamophobia, Lesbophobia, and Toxic relationship
anarmandameg's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Dysphoria, Grief, Bullying, and Deadnaming
Moderate: Drug use, Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, Transphobia, Abandonment, Sexism, Sexual content, Grief, and Mental illness
Minor: Toxic relationship
bookcrushin's review
- 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
Graphic: Transphobia, Acephobia/Arophobia, Bullying, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Sexism, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Racism, Deadnaming, and Injury/Injury detail
utopiastateofmind's review
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
TW: gender dysphoria, cissexism, anxiety attack, anxiety
Man O'War is an emotional book that was both heart wrenching and heart warming. It's a story about love and family. But most importantly it's a story about River. About doing the difficult work of confronting our past mistakes and the internalized shame and homophobia we have. It's no small thing to not only try to make amends, but to unpack why. And to realize that our actions reflected our own insecurities and fears and doubts. If you want a book that will leave you heart feeling raw, but also full, this is for you.
I was so excited for Man O'War before even beginning and once I started i was smitten. I loved the vibe of the atmosphere. This Sea Planet setting that sort of ties the entire story together. While this is a contemporary, the feeling of setting and of this small town, was so rich and detailed. And it allows River to figure out all their internalized feelings. The currents trying to pull us into what 'society pressures us to be', to wade through our feelings.
Graphic: Homophobia and Transphobia
Moderate: Racism, Deadnaming, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Sexism
Minor: Self harm