A review by kathrynblenkinsop
Old Enough by Haley Jakobson

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • 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

4.25

In Haley’s acknowledgments, she says that OLD ENOUGH is dedicated to “femme friendship in all its captivating complexity.” - she nailed it. 

This novel transported me right back in time. Back to the uncomfortable growing pains that come with transitioning out of who you once were, and the “you” that was always hiding a little bit under the surface. 

There were so many things that I adored in this story.

Friendships 
Hayley captured the ‘near-queerness’ that a lot of friendships between women go through - queer and straight. It sparked to my mind an article by Sadie Graham where they go on to describe friendship between straight women as homoerotic: “They do realize [it’s homoerotic], and that’s what gives it that sweet thrill of nearness: near forbidden, nearly true.” That rings true to my own experience, and it was validating to see that portrayed in the story through Sav and her childhood best friend Izzie. 

Sav’s cultivation of a queer friendships (chosen family) was thrilling. 

Bisexuality 
I adore a bisexual character, and I resonated a lot with Sav - thank you Hayley for such an authentic portrayal of the bi experience.

**trigger warning - sexual assault**
The way Sav’s sexual assault, and trauma was explored was very nuanced. It opened up a lot of questions surrounding justice for victims and what healing looks like. 

This goes on my shelf of “essential queer reading”. 
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