Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

For me, reading Gender Theory by Madeline Docherty was practically like looking into a mirror. The second-person narration immerses you into the unnamed narrator's world, navigating the complexities of bisexuality, reproductive health, and toxic relationships. Docherty's poignant depiction of these themes resonated deeply with me, not only as a reader but as someone who has walked similar paths.

One of the most compelling aspects of Gender Theory is its exploration of the suffocating heat of girlhood through the narrator's experiences. We first meet her at university, losing her virginity and rushing to tell her friend Ella, the only person who makes her feel safe. This relationship beautifully captures the intense, often confusing, dynamics of female friendships and the validation sought through male sexual desire. Docherty deftly illustrates how this need for validation can lead to dangerous situations, a theme that many women, including myself, can relate to.

As the narrator's sexual journey unfolds, she discovers her attraction to women, a revelation that echoes the confusion and elation of multisexual attraction in a society that often insists on monosexual norms. This aspect of the story felt particularly personal to me, and I often wanted to reach into the book and give the narrator the biggest and softest hug.

Docherty's portrayal of the narrator's struggle with endometriosis adds another layer of depth to the story. The book highlights the medical field's lack of understanding and empathy regarding reproductive health for those with uteruses. The narrator's journey through various medical procedures and the eventual diagnosis of endometriosis shed light on the often stigmatized and misunderstood nature of this condition. It was eye-opening to see the added shame and frustration that come with reproductive disorders, particularly for those assumed to be future mothers.

The relationship between the narrator and Ella is the heart of the novel. Ella's constant presence and support, despite their complicated dynamics, underscore the importance of found family in the queer community. As the narrator navigates her bisexuality, toxic relationships, and health issues, Ella is her anchor, even when their friendship teeters on the edge of sexual intimacy. This relationship mirrors the experiences of many bisexual individuals who struggle to find their place in our monosexual world.

Throughout Gender Theory, Docherty captures the chaotic and often self-destructive behavior that can arise from being perpetually treated as sexually available. The narrator's substance abuse and struggles with intimacy are portrayed with raw honesty, reflecting the impact of bisexual stigma and oppression. These themes hit close to home, reminding me of my own journey towards self-acceptance and the challenges faced along the way.

Despite the emotional weight of the narrative, Gender Theory ends on a hopeful note. The narrator's journey towards independence, self-care, and embracing her queerness is a testament to the resilience and strength of bisexual individuals. Docherty's writing beautifully depicts the difficulty of managing an unmanageable life and finding joy amidst the chaos.

Reading Gender Theory was a profoundly personal experience for me. As a bisexual woman, I appreciated the authentic representation and the exploration of bisexuality's nuances. While the writing style and plot became somewhat redundant towards the end, this did not significantly detract from my overall enjoyment. Docherty's ability to capture the complexities of bisexuality, reproductive health, and toxic relationships earns Gender Theory a solid 4.5 stars from me. Thank you, Madeline, for this gorgeous book. I will be thinking about it for a long time.

📖 Recommended For: Readers who resonate with coming-of-age stories centered around queerness and disability, those interested in the complexities of female friendships, admirers of introspective narratives exploring identity and trauma, fans of bisexual fiction.

🔑 Key Themes: Bisexuality and Sexual Identity, Female Friendships and Found Family, Reproductive Health and Endometriosis, Sexual Violence and Healing, Navigating Toxic Relationships, Compulsory Monosexuality, Self-Discovery and Independence.