Reviews with content warning for Transphobia - Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl

An interesting take on gender, sexuality and fluidity. Lots of parts I enjoyed, others I felt I was losing a connection with the character more than how it was suggested I should be...

Liked the ambiguity of the ending and the chaos Paul/Polly's life seemed to follow throughout the narrative and appreciated the sex positive, non-binary, shape-shifting protagonist.

Also want to mention how grounded the setting of the story was. There were so many references to 90's pop culture, the LGBT+ community, the AIDS crisis (and it's after effects) and similarities between today's queer youth to then.

Overall, an enjoyable story with lots to sink your teeth into. May read again in the future.

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packedjam's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

i think this book was very good at what it set out to do. unfortunately for me, what it set out to do drove me up the wall

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abyjane's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

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ecarper's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted slow-paced

3.5

This is a book I’m still trying to figure out how I feel about but overall it’s a good thing that it’s making me think. Paul is such an interesting character and the premise is so intriguing, however I don’t feel like the novel fully delivered on its promise in some ways. Throughout, Paul searches for belonging while also relishing his uniqueness. I think I would have preferred a little more direction in the plot besides Paul entering into a

borderline abusive relationship with a TERF-y woman

. But I can appreciate the experimental nature of the storytelling and it’s sheer radicalism for just existing. Some of the passages, as well, were so heartbreakingly beautiful I had to pause. Overall, would recommend.

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noahsingh's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

so so good, instant new favourite book. feel weirdly intensely grateful to Andrea Lawlor as a fellow trans person. can't actually express how much reading this meant to me as a trans bi guy, so nice to be able to read a coming-of-age-esque book with a character whose actually relatable to me as a queer trans person and really just can't wait to read whatever Lawlor writes next. love the fantasy bits intertwined with Paul/Polly's story and all the pretentious references and that the book ends so openly, but with the protagonist young, happy and living Queer life to the fullest, love that for him/her/them.

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lenin_lover_69's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

The premise (a nb/gender fluid person is able to physically change their body at will) was executed so well and it was also a great companion book to Mario Mieli's Towards a Gay Communism that I had just finished. I did just find I wanted more from the narrative, and although the book was fairly consistently compelling it was like I wanted more time w characters or to understand their motives. For example, I didn't really buy into Paul's relationship with Diane - why did he love her? And all the build up to the meeting with Robin...but maybe that's just how it goes with these things.

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jameslyons's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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miles's review against another edition

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adventurous slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

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