Review of Marc Marci

Hasa Athapaththu · Post by **Hasa Athapaththu** » 19 Feb 2022, 10:05

[Following is a volunteer review of "Marc Marci" by Larry G. Goldsmith.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Marc Marci by Larry G. Goldsmith portrays the life of Marc, a software engineering expert on the verge of entering his dream university when he loses his parents in an accident that upends his entire life. He goes through a period of depression and finally decides to tour Europe, as his parents had done long ago, searching for his identity. He befriends Cristina and Gabrielle, his first real friends, and they go out to a pub one night with Marc dressed up as a girl. With this collision of his masculinity and the newfound femininity, doubts kindle within him. What happens to Marc when a terrorist attack occurs next to their pub, causing him to lose his manhood? Will he be able to rediscover himself, maybe as a different person? And who is Marci? Only this intriguing book will tell.

I found this coming-of-age story packed with a plethora of gender-related issues and humane messages conveyed, the most powerful of them being the need to be empathetic, alongside the importance of friendship and love. The question of one’s gender compatibility, the complications related to gender transition, the challenges thereof, and if there’s a price to pay for happiness and love are all incorporated in this tale.

I love how Larry Goldsmith has captured the sentiments of the characters palpably as they go through many intense experiences that are nonetheless realistic, at times shifting the narrative as is apt. For example, right after the terrorist attack, it is Gabrielle’s disturbed and melancholic perspective that is expressed. You will see why, once you reach this section. In addition, the fast-paced flow with dynamic backdrops and events depicted with vivid details make the story enthralling. I admire Marci’s strength and courage as she matures, along with the compassion of those around her, who are always there to support Marc and Marci in the course of their journey.

The only negative points about this book were the numerous errors I noted while reading and the vague conclusion, which I felt was inadequate. These ultimately result in my rating of this book being 3 out of 4 stars. Otherwise, the story was simply beautiful.

I recommend this book to a mature audience and it will be a good read for anyone who feels uneasy with their identity or gender and wants to explore them or to perceive what exactly a gender reassignment would be like, and even for those who have lost their near and dear ones in life as the story is a beacon of hope, inspiration and also, consolation in all aspects considered. If you are sensitive to details about medical procedures, I suggest you skim through those parts. However, they are not lengthy and are informative.

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Marc Marci
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Umesh Bhatt · Post by **Umesh Bhatt** » 22 Feb 2022, 03:46

The review has created some suspense and mystery about the life of Marc which of course would be only known once we go through the book. Thanks for the nice review.