Reviews with content warning for Deadnaming - Pageboy: Meine Geschichte

Reviews tagging 'Deadnaming'

Pageboy: Meine Geschichte by Elliot Page

158 reviews

imscrem's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced

2.5

I appreciate that Elliot Page took the time to write down his story. I listened to the audiobook, and found it difficult at times to understand what time period in his life he was writing from due to the somewhat jumpy narrative. I didn’t enjoy hearing about his sexual escapades or the many, many times he was sexually abused, but I have to acknowledge that these are true parts of his story and the book would not have been complete without them. It was uncomfortable to hear about who licked what while I rode the subway. Overall, I this book definitely wasn’t what I expected — I thought it would be a more uplifting take on the trans experience, but came out thinking it’s more of a dismal array of all the ways that people can be horrific to someone for being different. I wish the world was kinder.

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mons278's review

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challenging emotional reflective

3.5

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maryellen's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

5.0

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sommer22's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.75

I think Page does well to preface that his trans story isn't necessarily remarkable but that he still hopes it touches people in some way. I'd call that an apt review for this book.

The first half of this book reads as a typical actor's memoir: their beginnings in the industry, their rise to fame, etc. I greatly enjoyed the second half when Page is coming to terms with his identity, first as a lesbian and then as a trans man. Even if his story is one of many trans narratives, this aspect showcases the nuances of his narrative and what makes it special.

After accepting his transness, he goes straight into top surgery, which is so joyous but also specific to his story. Better yet, he acknowledges the privilege he had to do that.

I admire Page's self-reflection and groundedness, and he renders scenes with tender perception and feeling.

This memoir is nonlinear, which not infrequently felt jumpy. The ending also felt abrupt and disconnected from the present.

This is a good queer story to read, especially for those who have followed Page throughout his career. If you choose not to read it, though, that's OK too.

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robinks's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

3.25

I was excited to see that Page read his own audiobook - memoirs always seem to have a greater impact on me when done this way. However, the chapters felt so disorganized to me, both in chronology and topic. While I appreciate Page’s acknowledgement of his privileged identities, I want to read more memoirs by trans folks of color.

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