A review by carolinerd
My Brother's Name is Jessica by John Boyne

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I am aware of some of the controversy surrounding this book in that it seeks to raise awareness of trans issues but is essentially a cis take on things.  The novel is narrated  by 13 year old Sam as he struggles to understand and accept his sibling's new gender identity.  Whilst on the one hand I had little sympathy for Sam, wallowing in his own misery and  being downright cruel at times, I also understood that for a lonely, neglected kid with educational issues, it must have been difficult to deal with the perceived loss of his rock, the protective big brother who had always been there for him.  It's possible to acknowledge Sam's struggles whilst at the same time recognising that they are nowhere near as hard as what Jason/Jessica is going through, and I think the book makes that very clear. I found it moving and thought-provoking.  It made me sad and it made me very angry at times.

 I guess the author wanted to leave us with something hopeful and positive but given the levels of intolerance, ignorance and sheer horridness shown by Sam and his parents throughout the novel, it all gets resolved a bit too quickly and easily for my liking.  I found that a bit unlikely. 

A powerful  read nonetheless and a good starting point for discussion.