A classic for a reason. Stone Butch Blues is gripping, visceral, transporting and deeply emotional. I read it years ago and certain scenes I still remember vividly. First hand accounts of queer life in the early 20th century are hard to come by. A lesbian (and trans) story feels even rarer. To have this autobiography that's written at such a high caliber, and tells the story of a such a hard fought and inspirational life, is a joy and honor to read.
Comphrensive. Well written with a good mix of fact and narrative. Worth reading in physical format for the photo plates. Lots of pictures in there that may not even be on the internet!
This biography's strength is its research into Clift's career. Very worthwhile read in that regard. Unfortunately, Clift's queerness is at best erased and at worst demonized by the author. Pair with the excellent documentary "Making Montgomery Clift" (2018) for a much more senstive and emphatic look at Clift's personal life.
This book struck a great balance of story, character and historical detail. Lot of M/M historical romance I've read uses the setting as a mere backdrop, and characters reflect a very modern understanding of gay identity. I loved how the main character's sexual identity was depicted, and really enjoyed the scenes with his wife (TOTAL lavendar marriage in this reviewer's opinion). The romance is a great slow burn that still feels realistic to the mores of the period. It even ties into a subplot about the Haitian Revolution.
As a long time pirate lover it was refreshing to read a pirate story that frames pirates as traitors rather than freewheeling rogues. Again a detail that really sets the story in the period and adds to the stakes! Your mileage may vary on the ship descriptions, which might feel pendatic to some readers, but just added to the immersion for me.
Give this one a read, it's a fun ride!
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