Reviews with content warning for Lesbophobia - Passing Strange

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.

Content Warnings

buildingtaste's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-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? No

4.0

I wish this book was either shorter or longer, if that makes sense. The back jacket makes a point of there being six different women involved, and this is technically true, but the majority of the story is devoted to just two of them and their relationship. The magic is just enough, neither showily out of place nor so subtle it doesn't warrant its inclusion. Reading the penultimate chapter and looking back at the cover made me tear up.

I hope Haskel and Emily had a beautiful life.

Despite the long list of content warnings this book is on the whole a reaffirming read, it just doesn't gloss over the historic conditions for lesbians and Asian americans in the 1940s.

Content Warnings

rheah's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious

4.75

A mix of historical fiction and magical realism that explores the 40's lesbian culture in San Francisco following a group of lesbian and bi women and featuring a butch/femme couple falling in love.

It's short but impactful. I wished the magical elements were incorporated a bit better

Content Warnings

robiok's review

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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.

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