Stone Butch Blues

by Leslie Feinberg
Stone Butch Blues cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Literary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1855
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9781563410307
  • Published: 1993-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Stone Butch Blues follows Jess, a trans woman living as a man, through a journey of self-discovery and struggle in a society that is often hostile to her existence. The novel explores themes of identity, class, and the search for community, as Jess faces homelessness, unionizing efforts, and the fear of being discovered. Her secret transsexual operation adds a layer of complexity to her already challenging life, making her story a poignant and powerful narrative about resilience and the human spirit./n/nThe book is not just a story of personal struggle but also a commentary on the broader societal issues of the time. It delves into the intersections of gender, class, and labor, providing a raw and unflinching look at the lives of those who exist on the margins. Jess's journey is both deeply personal and universally relatable, making Stone Butch Blues a significant contribution to transgender literature.

Reviews
Women's Library · 2025-10-02
heartbreaking 4.25

The book is a heartbreaking yet emotionally intelligent story that resonates deeply regardless of one's connection to trans* topics. It is a powerful narrative that evokes strong emotional responses.

The reviewer from Women's Library describes Stone Butch Blues as a heartbreaking yet deeply emotionally intelligent story. They emphasize that the novel's power lies in its ability to resonate with readers regardless of their personal connection to trans* topics. The review highlights the book's raw emotional depth and its capacity to evoke strong emotional responses. They appreciate the novel's exploration of identity, love, and the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community, making it a compelling and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    Regardless of whether or not trans* topics resonate with you or not, this book is a heartbreaking and deeply emotionally intelligent story about identity and love.

    Stone Butch Blues is a powerful narrative that evokes strong emotional responses.

    The novel's exploration of identity and the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community is both compelling and impactful.

Lesbrary · Anna Marie · 2019-07-25
powerful 4.50

The novel's lyrical narrative captures the complex journey of self-discovery and gender identity. It is a powerful ode to the resilience and strength found within the LGBTQ+ community.

Anna Marie highlights the novel's lyrical and winding narrative, which beautifully captures the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and gender exploration. The book is seen as a heartfelt ode to the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly those navigating gender identity. Anna Marie appreciates the emotional depth and the raw, honest portrayal of the struggles and triumphs within the lesbian community. They also note that the novel's exploration of butch/femme dynamics and the complexities of gender are both groundbreaking and deeply moving.

Quick quotes

    The novel follows her growing more and less into herself, in a lyrical and winding narrative.

    It's an ode to the strength of gender non-conformity and the resilience of the human spirit.

    This book is a powerful exploration of identity, love, and the fight for self-acceptance.

GO Magazine · Queer Millennial · 2018-05-14
profound 4.75

The book begins with a beautiful love letter that sets the tone for a deeply emotional and introspective journey. It challenges traditional notions of masculinity and offers a poignant exploration of identity.

Queer Millennial starts by praising the opening love letter, which sets a deeply emotional and introspective tone for the novel. They find the book to be a profound exploration of identity, particularly in how it challenges traditional notions of masculinity. The review highlights the novel's ability to reckon with complex themes of love, gender, and self-discovery. They appreciate the raw and honest portrayal of the protagonist's struggles and the broader societal issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

Quick quotes

    Feinberg starts off the book with the most beautiful love letter written by Jess Goldberg, a young butch lesbian, addressed to an ex femme lover.

    This novel is a profound exploration of identity and the complexities of masculinity.

    Stone Butch Blues is a groundbreaking work that challenges and expands our understanding of gender and love.

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