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kmhst25's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Passing Strange is what I like to call Wouldn’t It Be Nice literature. The author appears to have thought: wouldn’t it be nice to write a story about San Francisco in the 40s? A lesbian love story? Something with a little magic and chalk pastels?
The problem with Wouldn’t It Be Nice literature is that it doesn’t really go anywhere. The author’s not writing for the plot, but for the happy little ideas they had in their head. It falls flat, because the author is too busy telling you about their pet loves to tell you a full fledged story.
This is half a story that I think you’re only really going to enjoy if you also happen to fall in love with the author’s pet loves and aren’t particularly looking for a plot.
The problem with Wouldn’t It Be Nice literature is that it doesn’t really go anywhere. The author’s not writing for the plot, but for the happy little ideas they had in their head. It falls flat, because the author is too busy telling you about their pet loves to tell you a full fledged story.
This is half a story that I think you’re only really going to enjoy if you also happen to fall in love with the author’s pet loves and aren’t particularly looking for a plot.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Police brutality, and Car accident
tinyjude's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
A beautifully written novella that tackles themes such as police brutality, lesbophobia, xenophobia, racism, physical abuse, societal expectations... as well as queer love, female friendship, fantasy, magic and a beautiful and nuance portrayal of queer life at that time.
In some occassions it reminded me of Stone Butch Blues because of the portrayal of lesbian (especially femme and butch identities) women and the difficulties they faced at the time. In that sense, this novella was heartbreaking.
However, the flirting, the longing gazes, the sweet intimate moments, the close relationships between these queer women were delightful. I felt in love with Helen/Spike (my god, no wonder everyone went crazy for her. I was going insane reading it) and Haskel (oh, Haskel). The inclusion of art, the descriptions especially of the last painting which is the gorgeous cover of this novella, the artistry vibes of all, noir films with lesbians (looking at you 'bound')... they were just marvelous.
Love and art can definitely be magical.
In some occassions it reminded me of Stone Butch Blues because of the portrayal of lesbian (especially femme and butch identities) women and the difficulties they faced at the time. In that sense, this novella was heartbreaking.
However, the flirting, the longing gazes, the sweet intimate moments, the close relationships between these queer women were delightful. I felt in love with Helen/Spike (my god, no wonder everyone went crazy for her. I was going insane reading it) and Haskel (oh, Haskel). The inclusion of art, the descriptions especially of the last painting which is the gorgeous cover of this novella, the artistry vibes of all, noir films with lesbians (looking at you 'bound')... they were just marvelous.
Love and art can definitely be magical.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Xenophobia, Police brutality, Lesbophobia, and Sexual harassment
robiok's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I had a lovely time with this story, my only observation is that the different povs are not clearly distinguished, they blend into each other and not having a strong voice for each character in such a short narrative did get frustrating at times.
The strongest chapter in my opinion was the first, what a hook, practically a whole story on its own almost a prequel which is also an epilogue.
I know I’m leaning on the lower side of the rating scale despite giving an high decimal there…but it feels more accurate to my feelings at the end of the experience.
Still, I would recommend this pretty universally and add on top of that: I only spend a couple days in San Francisco but the atmosphere? Yes, it’s all there.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Suicide, Police brutality, Lesbophobia, and Sexual harassment
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