Review: "Walking Practice", by Dolki Min, 2023

Walking Practice by Dolki Min
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Walking Practice": A Deep Dive into Gender, Alienation, and the Quest for Acceptance

Dolki Min's "Walking Practice" is a masterclass in speculative fiction, weaving a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is darkly humorous. At its core, the novel delves into the intricacies of gender identity, societal norms, and the ever-present human yearning for acceptance and belonging.

Min's protagonist, Mumu, a shape-shifting extraterrestrial, serves as a mirror to our society's rigid

constructs. Stranded on Earth and navigating the complexities of human interactions, Mumu's experiences underscore the challenges faced by those who don't fit neatly into societal boxes. The novel's exploration of gender is particularly poignant, highlighting the fear and discrimination faced by those who defy traditional gender norms. Min's astute observation that anything not immediately classifiable as male or female is met with prejudice is a stark reminder of the deep-seated biases that persist in our society.

Drawing parallels with Michel Faber's "Under the Skin," both novels center on extraterrestrial beings preying on humans, only to find themselves grappling with unexpected empathy for their victims. While Faber's protagonist discovers the humanity within her prey, Min's Mumu undergoes a similar journey of self-discovery, challenging its own beliefs and perceptions.

Comparatively, the novel's exploration of gender fluidity is reminiscent of Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Left Hand of Darkness." However, where Le Guin's work is subtle and philosophical, "Walking Practice" is more direct, confronting the reader with the stark realities of discrimination against anything that doesn't fit neatly into binary categories.

The narrative is enriched with Min's unique voice, blending wry humor with profound insights. Readers are treated to Mumu's candid observations on the absurdities of human behavior, especially concerning body standards and gender performance. The alien's perspective, both humorous and heart-wrenching, offers a fresh lens through which to view our own world.

While the novel boasts intricate black and white illustrations, some readers might find them leaning more towards the serious side, contrasting with the story's whimsical undertones. The artwork by Ian Mackay, as highlighted in a New York Times review, seems to capture the essence of the story more fittingly, merging absurdity with depth.

"Walking Practice" is an essential read for a broad spectrum of readers, from LGBTQIA advocates and bizarro fiction aficionados to those with a penchant for dark comedy, science fiction, and tales infused with absurdity. Dolki Min's storytelling prowess ensures that even the most bizarre premises can offer deep insights into the human psyche, making "Walking Practice" a standout in contemporary speculative fiction.

I rate the novel a 4.9 out of 5.

#BookRecommendation #WalkingPractice #SpeculativeFiction #LGBTQIA #Bookstagram #QueerLit #BizzaroFiction #ScienceFiction #DolkiMin #VictoriaCaudle #KoreanBooks #TranslatedLiterature

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Review: Yellow Jessamine, by Caitlin Starling, 2020

Yellow Jessamine by Caitlin Starling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Yellow Jessamine, by Caitlin Starling, 2020

Yellow Jessamine is a fantasy horror novella with sapphic undertones that started strong. The atmospheric details, creepy vibes, and strong plot teased for a fantastic ending but ended up venturing into the "left field."

I enjoyed this intense novella-- filled with fierce lesbians, poisonous herbal gardens, and a mysterious creepy sickness; it's a have-to-read book.

I rate this novella 4.25 out of 5 stars.

"Evelyn Perdanu is a shipping magnate, the only living survivor of her family. She walks the city veiled and hidden away from the eyes of those around her. Her country is slowly dying, rotting away like food left out to spoil. Arriving from her last voyage, she discovers that a plague has visited her city, which is traced back to her crew. They act erratically and slip into catatonia. She begins to investigate the plague as much for the city's sake and those in it as for her own company and family name. What she finds is complicated and horrific." -- from the book jacket

#YellowJessamine #CaitlinStarling #LGBTQ

 

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Review: "The Membranes" by Chi Ta-Wei, 1995

The Membranes by Chi Ta-wei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's queerer than you might think— and that's good.

Written in 1995 and set in the 2100s, The Membranes takes place at the bottom of the ocean, where humanity retreated because of climate change, depleted ozone, and environmental collapse. The main protagonist is Momo, who is a famous dermal skin technician. The story opens into Momo's life just before she turns 30 and then slowly moves backward through her memories as a journey of self-discovery.

This slim, intelligent novella reads quickly and easily, yet there's a surprising density of information. As short as it is, the author manages to masterfully build this futuristic world envisioning global formations that are militarized and corporate. There isn't much of a plot so much as there are twists and reveals akin to The Matrix and Inception with a gender-bending queer flare.

It's tough to talk about this book without getting into spoiler territory. But I can say that I was surprised several times with how my understanding of what is happening is up-ended-- nothing is what it seems.

The Membranes is an exceptionally well-conceived science-fiction story. It's deceptively simple-looking on the surface, but it is truly an impressive piece of work and a must-read for anyone LGBTQIA+.

I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

#LGBTQIA #GenderPerformativity #GenderIdentity #IdentityFabrication #Feminism #Transhumanism #NeoColonialism #SelfHood #QueerSFF #ScienceFiction

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