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ashbydodd 's review for:
Frighten the Horses
by Oliver Radclyffe
There’s a certain kind of life many of us are taught to chase – a so-called "ideal" that comes with stability, family, and a well-painted picture of happiness. For Oliver Radclyffe, he had all that and more. Raised in a privileged family, he seemed to have it all, and to the outside world, his life as a wife and mother of four was picture-perfect. But behind the scenes, Oliver was unraveling, feeling trapped in a body and life that didn’t align with who he was inside.
Frighten the Horses isn’t just another memoir – it’s a candid, raw, and surprisingly witty account of Oliver’s journey to embracing his identity as a trans man. The stress of hiding his truth took a toll, with his hair falling out, moods swinging, and a body that felt as if it were at war with itself. His story of transition is as much a journey of mental awakening as it is a physical one, and it’s told with grace and honesty. Oliver lays out the reality of transitioning without bitterness or anger; instead, he fills the pages with self-awareness, resilience, and a touch of humor that makes this memoir feel refreshing.
What sets Frighten the Horses apart is Oliver's voice – open, heartfelt, and anything but cynical. His story isn’t about proving anything or fighting against anyone; it’s about embracing who he is, even when the journey is messy and daunting. It’s a beautiful reminder that the path to self-discovery isn’t always neat, and sometimes, breaking free from expectations means breaking open parts of ourselves we didn’t even realize were locked away.
By the time I finished the last page, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Oliver is someone I’d genuinely like to know. Frighten the Horses left me feeling inspired, grateful, and more aware of the strength it takes to live authentically. This memoir is a must-read for anyone navigating their own path to self-acceptance or anyone just looking for a beautifully honest story of what it means to truly come into your own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the advanced reader's copy; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Frighten the Horses isn’t just another memoir – it’s a candid, raw, and surprisingly witty account of Oliver’s journey to embracing his identity as a trans man. The stress of hiding his truth took a toll, with his hair falling out, moods swinging, and a body that felt as if it were at war with itself. His story of transition is as much a journey of mental awakening as it is a physical one, and it’s told with grace and honesty. Oliver lays out the reality of transitioning without bitterness or anger; instead, he fills the pages with self-awareness, resilience, and a touch of humor that makes this memoir feel refreshing.
What sets Frighten the Horses apart is Oliver's voice – open, heartfelt, and anything but cynical. His story isn’t about proving anything or fighting against anyone; it’s about embracing who he is, even when the journey is messy and daunting. It’s a beautiful reminder that the path to self-discovery isn’t always neat, and sometimes, breaking free from expectations means breaking open parts of ourselves we didn’t even realize were locked away.
By the time I finished the last page, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Oliver is someone I’d genuinely like to know. Frighten the Horses left me feeling inspired, grateful, and more aware of the strength it takes to live authentically. This memoir is a must-read for anyone navigating their own path to self-acceptance or anyone just looking for a beautifully honest story of what it means to truly come into your own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the advanced reader's copy; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.