amphie 's review for:

Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters

3.5

challenging reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

---

I strongly dislike like the notion that Reese and other trans women in this book associate womanhood with violence in an erotic and validating way. I don’t think writing "morally ambiguous" queer characters as non-representation automatically allows problematic (meaning misogynistic and racist) statements to stand unchallenged and un-contextualised. I have very mixed feelings about this book and I desperately need a more gender & queer studies experienced person to help me analyse it. The writing style was absolutely gorgeous but the way the characters interacted with each other, with so much hate and distrust and ill will, made me incredibly sad for the characters and the world they live in. It made all of the main characters so unlikable that all I can feel is pity for the love they withhold from each other and themselves. I cannot explain this dissonance, but I was still captivated by the book, mostly thanks to the author‘s incredible way with words.