Review by Molly May -- My Ladybird Story by Magus Tor
3 posts
[Following is a volunteer review of "My Ladybird Story" by Magus Tor.]
[rbc=4]id52813-125[/rbc]
We first meet John as an awkward high school student. He is being bullied by other students and we soon learn that he is not much kinder to himself. John seems firmly lodged in a self-deprecating rut and the reader hopes he will escape. Gradually, the source of John’s disgust becomes clearer until suddenly it all makes sense! The question is, how will John cope and what will he do next?
My Ladybird Story is divided into three parts: High School, College and After. The description is vivid throughout the story and effectively activates all five senses. I could visualise absolutely everything in detail and felt the atmosphere of each chapter.
The aspect of the book that I appreciated the most was that the main character was very easy to invest in. Fortunately, I genuinely cared about John from the start of the story and really wanted things to improve for him. In particular, I hoped for him to eventually feel confident and comfortable with who he really was. John’s journey of self-discovery was extremely insightful for someone who cannot personally relate to the topic of transgender identity. Moreover, I do know someone who has experienced a similar journey and this book has helped me to appreciate the complexities of this topic.
Concerning John’s story, I was so grateful for the support of his brother, Devon. As Tor ensures you are pretty invested in everything that happens to John, I felt like he really deserved someone who was “on his side” and loved him unconditionally. There are also some endearing yet comical conversations between Devon and John. The story reminded me that it is important to feel accepted by those who know you the best, not those who have made judgements without getting to know you (as many students have with John). The book may be classed as a love story but truthfully depicts multiple forms of love and relationships which are relatable for any reader.
Similarly to his brother Devon, I too felt protective of John as a character. I was so relieved and hopeful for him when he met Aureus. John’s concerns about their friendship being temporary are also felt by the reader. Aureus, as a new student, does not yet understand how John is mistreated at school and I felt nervous for John to become vulnerable by committing to this friendship. In contrast, I also wanted to trust in Aureus as a character and for John to trust in her too. Their friendship in Part 1 reminded me slightly of how August and Summer interact in the book Wonder by R. J. Palacio. In that scenario, August is new at high school and, like John, is initially reluctant to befriend others in case it ends in disappointment.
To be completely honest, I would also love to see My Ladybird Story adapted into a film! I think that a film could capture the central themes and, due to timing restrictions, would eliminate any parts that many have felt slow-paced at times when reading the book. Also, some beautiful moments in the story could be heighted with an amazing soundtrack.
The only thing I could challenge about this book is the suggestion of gender and sexuality as controversial subjects. On one hand, this story may be very relatable for many readers and presents a sensitive reflection of transgender experience. I believe that this topic is important, and I support Tor’s decision to write about a transgender protagonist. He manages to put very simply into words the complex feelings an individual might experience at a confusing time in their life. Without being in the first person, John’s perspective is still powerful and creates an intimate reading experience. This may help form an understanding for, and normalise conversation of, transgender topics. I also appreciated how Tor suggests that labels can have a positive purpose; to explain “differentness” as opposed to being used as insults.
On the other hand, I would like to challenge the publishing industry in general regarding how transgender characters are featured in entertainment, such as books. For example, by focusing on a character’s discovery of their gender, or a questioning of their sexuality; this may suggest that their gender or sexuality are issues. Thus, this may counter-productively denormalise topics like transgender identity for the reader. It would be refreshing to read stories where such characters are included but their gender is already accepted and not viewed as controversial for anyone in the story. Arguably, this outlook is attempted in My Ladybird Story through the characters of Devon and Aureus. Such characters or stories might provide an optimistic vision for the future whilst, overall, Tor’s book provides an insightful, and undoubtedly necessary, reflection of the present.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It has taught me things that are very precious. My Ladybird Story has the power to change many minds with its description of John’s personal, human experience.
******
My Ladybird Story
View: on Bookshelves |
Like Molly May's review? Post a comment saying so!
We first meet John as an awkward high school student. He is being bullied by other students and we soon learn that he is not much kinder to himself. John seems firmly lodged in a self-deprecating rut and the reader hopes he will escape. Gradually, the source of John’s disgust becomes clearer until suddenly it all makes sense! The question is, how will John cope and what will he do next?
My Ladybird Story is divided into three parts: High School, College and After. The description is vivid throughout the story and effectively activates all five senses. I could visualise absolutely everything in detail and felt the atmosphere of each chapter.
The aspect of the book that I appreciated the most was that the main character was very easy to invest in. Fortunately, I genuinely cared about John from the start of the story and really wanted things to improve for him. In particular, I hoped for him to eventually feel confident and comfortable with who he really was. John’s journey of self-discovery was extremely insightful for someone who cannot personally relate to the topic of transgender identity. Moreover, I do know someone who has experienced a similar journey and this book has helped me to appreciate the complexities of this topic.
Concerning John’s story, I was so grateful for the support of his brother, Devon. As Tor ensures you are pretty invested in everything that happens to John, I felt like he really deserved someone who was “on his side” and loved him unconditionally. There are also some endearing yet comical conversations between Devon and John. The story reminded me that it is important to feel accepted by those who know you the best, not those who have made judgements without getting to know you (as many students have with John). The book may be classed as a love story but truthfully depicts multiple forms of love and relationships which are relatable for any reader.
Similarly to his brother Devon, I too felt protective of John as a character. I was so relieved and hopeful for him when he met Aureus. John’s concerns about their friendship being temporary are also felt by the reader. Aureus, as a new student, does not yet understand how John is mistreated at school and I felt nervous for John to become vulnerable by committing to this friendship. In contrast, I also wanted to trust in Aureus as a character and for John to trust in her too. Their friendship in Part 1 reminded me slightly of how August and Summer interact in the book Wonder by R. J. Palacio. In that scenario, August is new at high school and, like John, is initially reluctant to befriend others in case it ends in disappointment.
To be completely honest, I would also love to see My Ladybird Story adapted into a film! I think that a film could capture the central themes and, due to timing restrictions, would eliminate any parts that many have felt slow-paced at times when reading the book. Also, some beautiful moments in the story could be heighted with an amazing soundtrack.
The only thing I could challenge about this book is the suggestion of gender and sexuality as controversial subjects. On one hand, this story may be very relatable for many readers and presents a sensitive reflection of transgender experience. I believe that this topic is important, and I support Tor’s decision to write about a transgender protagonist. He manages to put very simply into words the complex feelings an individual might experience at a confusing time in their life. Without being in the first person, John’s perspective is still powerful and creates an intimate reading experience. This may help form an understanding for, and normalise conversation of, transgender topics. I also appreciated how Tor suggests that labels can have a positive purpose; to explain “differentness” as opposed to being used as insults.
On the other hand, I would like to challenge the publishing industry in general regarding how transgender characters are featured in entertainment, such as books. For example, by focusing on a character’s discovery of their gender, or a questioning of their sexuality; this may suggest that their gender or sexuality are issues. Thus, this may counter-productively denormalise topics like transgender identity for the reader. It would be refreshing to read stories where such characters are included but their gender is already accepted and not viewed as controversial for anyone in the story. Arguably, this outlook is attempted in My Ladybird Story through the characters of Devon and Aureus. Such characters or stories might provide an optimistic vision for the future whilst, overall, Tor’s book provides an insightful, and undoubtedly necessary, reflection of the present.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It has taught me things that are very precious. My Ladybird Story has the power to change many minds with its description of John’s personal, human experience.
******
My Ladybird Story
View: on Bookshelves |
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