Little Blue Encyclopedia by Hazel Jane Plante

Little Blue Encyclopedia

Hazel Jane Plante

This story of a transwoman's grief for her friend, Vivian, is uniquely structured and unashamedly honest. Akin to a love letter, the grieving woman pays homage to Vivian through a series of encyclopedia entries based upon her favourite TV series. Through the narrator's writing, we learn about her life as a transwoman, as well as the colourful life led by Vivian. While loss is the backbone of the story, the author offers the reader so much more.

Extract

Being around her gave me confidence. I saw a way forward, a way of being trans in the world that didn't seem like a struggle. We were opposites in so many ways. She was thin; I'm not. She was straight; I'm not. She was a vegetarian; I'm not. She was outgoing; I'm not. But she took me under her wing. If she hadn't, I'm not sure what would have happened. She softened my shame and anxiety about being trans. 

Parallels
  • Oranges are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson
  • This Too Shall Pass by Milena Busquets
  • PS I Love You by Cecelia Ahern
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