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A review by ktfytz
The Queens of Sarmiento Park by Camila Sosa Villada
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
An intensely sad book. It feels like reading a dream, or someone else's dream. The narrative is jerky and confusing, switching timelines and locations but ultimately moving in a linear direction. Perhaps it reflects the disjointed reality of its protagonists. Exploring the world of trans sex workers in Cordoba, Argentina, this memoir(?) is incredibly interesting while overwhelmingly sad. I think the blasé manner in which the horrors suffered by the protagonist and her colleagues is described is what makes this book so depressing. Despite this I'm really glad I read it.
The writing and translation were really beautiful, some favourite quotes include:
"So we chased our johns, forced into [...] feeling that there was nothing worse than being a fairy choking on the hot world of men, where all issues are resolved with kicks and punches" (97)
"But poverty draped its cloak further and further over me" (109)
"He was a cowardly, cheap, cunning, and grabby. But give credit where credit is due: he also made chocolate-covered pancakes with dulce de leche in about two minutes and they were always perfect, it was the only manifestation of beauty of which he was capable." (172)
The writing and translation were really beautiful, some favourite quotes include:
"So we chased our johns, forced into [...] feeling that there was nothing worse than being a fairy choking on the hot world of men, where all issues are resolved with kicks and punches" (97)
"But poverty draped its cloak further and further over me" (109)
"He was a cowardly, cheap, cunning, and grabby. But give credit where credit is due: he also made chocolate-covered pancakes with dulce de leche in about two minutes and they were always perfect, it was the only manifestation of beauty of which he was capable." (172)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Transphobia, Violence, and Alcohol