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A review by bookcheshirecat
Pageboy by Elliot Page
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
3.5
“I am evolved as I freed myself from the expectations of others. These memories shape a nonlinear narrative, because queerness is intrinsically nonlinear, journeys that bend and wind. Two steps forward, one step back.”
➽ I liked Elliot Page since I saw him in The Umbrella Academy and was super excited about his memoir! It delves into his struggles with his sexuality, gender and his complex family dynamics. The book was hard to read at times, as Page discusses the homophobia and harassment he encountered throughout his life and career. It's told in a nonlinear narrative that jumps between different phases of his life ... sadly this didn't work for me. Nonlinear storytelling can work, but I don't think it was well-executed here. I was mostly confused as we jumped randomly between different times in Page's life, so it was difficult to keep track of things. As much as I like him as an actor and advocate, the writing left a lot to be desired. I was missing some more introspection, as the memoir didn't delve as deep as it could have!
➽ I liked Elliot Page since I saw him in The Umbrella Academy and was super excited about his memoir! It delves into his struggles with his sexuality, gender and his complex family dynamics. The book was hard to read at times, as Page discusses the homophobia and harassment he encountered throughout his life and career. It's told in a nonlinear narrative that jumps between different phases of his life ... sadly this didn't work for me. Nonlinear storytelling can work, but I don't think it was well-executed here. I was mostly confused as we jumped randomly between different times in Page's life, so it was difficult to keep track of things. As much as I like him as an actor and advocate, the writing left a lot to be desired. I was missing some more introspection, as the memoir didn't delve as deep as it could have!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Transphobia, Dysphoria, Eating disorder, Hate crime, Homophobia, Mental illness, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Deadnaming, Sexual harassment, Stalking, Body shaming, and Bullying
Minor: Drug use, Alcohol, and Suicidal thoughts