Stone Butch Blues

by Leslie Feinberg
Stone Butch Blues cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 1855
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781563410307
  • Published: 1993-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

Stone Butch Blues is a groundbreaking novel that delves into the life of Jess, a working-class woman living as a man, as she navigates the complexities of identity, community, and survival. The story explores themes of gender, class, and the struggle for self-acceptance in a society that often rejects those who don't fit the norm. Jess's journey is one of resilience and determination, as she faces homelessness, attempts to unionize her coworkers, and undergoes a secret transsexual operation, all while searching for a place where she truly belongs. /n/n The novel is not just a personal narrative but also a powerful commentary on the broader social issues of the time. It highlights the challenges faced by the transgender community and the working class, offering a raw and unflinching look at the intersections of these identities. Les Feinberg's writing is both poignant and provocative, making Stone Butch Blues a seminal work in LGBTQ+ 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.

Goodreads · 2025-10-02
important 4.50

This novel is a deeply moving and important work that explores themes of identity and resilience. It is raw and vulnerable, yet profoundly impactful.

This novel is a deeply moving and important work that explores themes of identity and resilience. It is raw and vulnerable, yet profoundly impactful. The story is painful at times, but it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. The narrative is lyrical and winding, following the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and acceptance. It is a heartbreaking and deeply emotionally intelligent story that resonates with readers regardless of their background. The novel is a powerful and provocative exploration of gender and identity, making it one of the most important books ever read by many.

Quick quotes

    This novel is painful and raw and vulnerable, but easily one of the most important things I've ever read.

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

    The narrative is lyrical and winding, following the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

AfterEllen · 2022-12-28
groundbreaking 4.00

Stone Butch Blues is a groundbreaking novel that showcases lesbian bar culture, butch/femme romance, and medical transition with a complicated legacy.

Stone Butch Blues is a groundbreaking novel that showcases lesbian bar culture, butch/femme romance, and medical transition with a complicated legacy. The book is a cult classic in LGBT communities, exploring the complexities of gender and identity. It is a deeply moving and emotionally intelligent story that resonates with readers. The narrative is powerful and provocative, capturing the essence of the protagonist's journey. The book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of self-acceptance. It is a heartbreaking and deeply emotional story that explores the nuances of transgender experiences.

Quick quotes

    Stone Butch Blues was groundbreaking in how it showed lesbian bar culture, butch/femme romance, medical transition, and desisting.

    The book is a cult classic in LGBT communities, exploring the complexities of gender and identity.

    It is a deeply moving and emotionally intelligent story that resonates with readers.

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.

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