Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my free digital ARC!

If you’re looking for more trans narratives in your life (and I think you should be), check out Miles Borrero’s memoir Beautiful Monster, coming out on the 23rd October. I really appreciated this memoir, as there’s a bit of a lack of books focusing on later-life transition. Although Miles felt from a young age that something wasn’t right about living as a girl, it wasn’t until he was nearing 40 that he realised he could no longer delay his truth.

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Born into a traditional Colombian family, Miles struggled with the feminine role he was expected to perform from a young age - stuffy communion dresses, keeping up with his friends who began dating men (not boys) from age 14, dealing with men who believe it’s their right to take what they want from girls. He also struggled with a burgeoning attraction to his best friend Sylvie, a tumultuous relationship to put it gently! But he was always very aware that something didn’t feel right.

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My heart broke for Miles when you realise he’s been denying his true self out of anxiety over whether his family would accept him. 40 years is a long, long time, but it’s never too late to start living as you were always meant to be. I did find some of the fantastical interludes a little disorienting, and there were places I thought the writing could use a little extra editing - but I’m also very aware that with memoir you don’t want to change someone’s personal voice too much.

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Overall, an affirming read that reads so personally, and so joyfully, with a focus on slightly older trans lives. I hope an audiobook is in the works because I’m sure it would be an incredible experience to hear Miles read his own story!