The story centers on Reese, a trans woman in New York whose life is stalled by self-destruction and a lack of traditional domestic paths. Her ex-partner, Ames, has recently detransitioned and lives as a man, but unexpectedly impregnates his boss, Katrina. Ames proposes a non-traditional family structure where the three adults co-parent the child. The narrative moves between their past relationships and the present negotiations, examining how trans identity interacts with the biological realities of aging, the desire for motherhood, and the social expectations of stability.
This book is written for readers interested in contemporary queer dynamics and the tension between radical identity and the longing for middle-class security. It attracts those who want to see trans experiences depicted through a lens of messy, complicated interpersonal ethics rather than purely political representation. Readers gain a specific perspective on how gender history impacts adult decision-making and the logistical hurdles of building a life outside of binary nuclear family models. It provides a dry, unsentimental look at how people negotiate long-term commitment when their identities are in flux.
Inward-looking and thought-provoking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Mindful Reader. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2021
- Language
- EN
