I’ve been going to a queer book club, and we’re currently looking for books with trans characters to read next month.
Ideally we’d like a standalone book (not part of a series), and a story where trans identity is a significant part of it.
Thank you :)
Although it technically isn’t explicitly about trans people, Terry Pratchett’s Monstrous Regiment explores a lot of ground about repressive gender roles and norms, feminism and the arbitrariness of religious doctrine. It does all of this while being absolutely hilarious and a joy to read.
It’s also technically part of a series, but like all Discworld books can absolutely be read as a standalone book.
Maybe not an absolute top pick due to not cleanly hitting all your requirements, but I’d still recommend it.
For the record, at least one character from MR is explicitly, textually trans. Pay close attention to pronoun choices in the narration.
I’ve loved every Pratchett novel I’ve read, and that sounds like a delight! I’m not sure I’ll be able to sell it to the book club but I’ll be sure to read this one myself at some point