Trans-Sister Radio

Chris Bohjalian is a solid writer, turning out intricate characterizations of Vermonters, whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. Trans-Sister Radio, published in 2000, gives a sensitive look, through four points-of-view of a trans-sexual love affair and how a small town responds: with confusion, revulsion, compassion, insight. The ending was a bit too neatly tied up in a bow for my liking, but I appreciated how nuanced his approach was, and felt like I learned while being engrossed.

From my "position paper" on the book for class:

Throughout Trans-sister Radio, representation is a key issue: community members refuse to let Dana represent herself and refuse to acknowledge her identity as a woman; Allison is denied the opportunity to represent herself to parents (instead, the principal does the work of representing Allison in rather negative ways); the radio becomes a way for Dana and Allison to represent themselves; the four major characters are able to represent themselves to the reader through their first-person chapters; and, ultimately, we have a story about a transwoman written and represented by a cisgendered heterosexual man. The questions of who gets to represent themselves and how, and who gets to represent show more those who are denied the ability to represent themselves, are central to this book (and I am sure, this course).

As I started reading, I found the whole premise of Bohjalian writing and selling this book problematic. I'm not coming out as universally against dominant culture folks writing about and representing subaltern positions. But it appears here that we have a sentimental story written for a liberal audience whose primary goals, I feel, are to learn more about the Other through voyeurism and to feel good about their own liberal tolerance. They seem to be mirrored most by the central narrator of the story, Carly, who as a young liberal believes that Dana is weird but tolerates her. Dana's story is sensational and must be shared, not only for the readers of Bohjalian's book, but also for the listeners of NPR in the book. In the course of writing a book for liberal sensibilities, Bohjalian has domesticated trans issues as much possible: it is a private issue, and conservatives are wrong to make it public (no one in this book questions how romance, privacy, and heterosexuality are publicly mediated). Dana is portrayed as normatively and domestically as possible for a transwoman; in fact, she writes that she is “domestic as a balloon shade or a perennial garden. And just as harmless” (page unsure). Of course, a good story that means to portray trans as somewhat normative wouldn't be complete without a reinforcement of heterosexuality: now that Dana is a woman and on hormones, she begins to feel attracted to Will and they begin to date and might move together to New Mexico. In the end of the book, the most heterosexual get the last word: After Allison's last chapter, Carly gets a chapter, then Dana, then Will, and finally closing with Carly. Carly is confident that her mom will find someone some day, but Allison is unable to speak for herself at this point, and her potential future is portrayed by her young, budding heterosexual daughter who has forgotten all about questioning her own gender and sexuality. Despite a few moments where biology and romance are queered, ultimately, this is another story about heterosexual love. show less

I enjoyed this story about love -- and how that relates to sexuality. We have Allison falling in love with a man -- only to find out that "he" is a transgender lesbian woman. Allison stands by Dana through sexual reassignment surgery and beyond and tries to keep an open mind. Allison loves Dana but she isn't gay. Can it work? Allison's ex-husband (and good friend), Will, doesn't like Dana when he meets him and thinks he is abnormal. But Will becomes fond of Dana after her surgery. (I'm using pronouns to match the presenting gender at the time of the story.) The book explores the many facets of sexuality and the deep psychological identification of gender, which doesn't always "match" how the world sees you. Good characters, and a story show more that would provoke a lot of discussion.

One criticism: at times, the book read more like a magazine article (and not just during the transcripts of a radio show the characters appear in) than a novel. Almost a clinical, non-fiction description of things that took me out of the plot. show less

From my blog

If you want debate, choose this for your book club. I thought this was a fascinating, thought provoking but at times uncomfortable book to read. And to know this is reality for some makes it a wow moment, I feel a little shell shocked but I also feel more educated.

One of the debates is when should personal life be a factor for professional life. Allison has fell in love with a transsexual while she is a school teacher. Chris B was fantastic in the genuine characterization he used in the book for all involved. The ex husband Will, daughter Carly, principle, parents, students and of course the couple themselves Dana and Allison. Some of the advocates at school were out of order and made me realize a great reputation will not show more always win over decisions that truly should only be yours.

I enjoyed the style of the book, they used the transcript of radio clips and then we heard from different characters in the book in relation to how they were affected or their role in the process. We get some details about the surgery, it can be uncomfortable to read, squeamish at times.

I loved how they alternated between calling Dana he or she, this proves as great debate also. An interesting thought was if Dana had got in an accident and was castrated by mistake, many would be supportive but to choose castration, how could he. Very complex thoughts. Allison has always been straight, now that her partner is no longer a man, is she gay, hmmm.

Every thought that you have while reading this, the author will touch on, amazing really. I live in a small community and if this happened, I can see many reacting the same, news and radio for sure. Unfortunately some of the judgments too.

My only issue was the ending and I think it just made me uncomfortable in so many ways which also makes me feel guilty. It ended a little to quickly and neatly but then I think do I really want to know.

I highly recommend this one just for the heart wrenching, emotional but thought provoking adventure it take you on. show less

Written twenty years ago, I wonder how this novel would be judged by critics today, given its theme of a man transitioning to a woman. To me, it appeared thoughtful in its insight into the many issues trans people must face - struggles with family, acceptance, judgements and internal conflict. However, given the heated (often hateful) debates about trans women today, and the outrage about cultural appropriation, I think this novel would be unfairly judged.
Quite disappointed by the ending.

I wasn't really sure what I was getting into when I started this book. I like Chris Bohjalian's writing for the most part, and this was one that was available on audio, so I dove in. Plot summary: Allison and Dana (male) fall in love. Unbeknownst to Allison at the time, Dana is preparing to undergo gender reassignment surgery to become a female.

The transgender issue in itself is controversial for many people. Bohjalian throws an extra curve ball into this story by forcing the character of Allison to basically choose whether or not she can continue to love Dana as a female, thereby instantly transforming her status from straight to gay.

The novel itself is very forthright in many ways. While reading/listening, I found myself a little show more squirmy & unsettled. It certainly is thought-provoking and would generate good discussion. As an audiobook, the abridgement was done fairly well, and it was not obvious that it was indeed an abridgement. The reader, however, was annoying when trying to assume different character voices. One had a strong southern drawl, another a strong Bostonian accent, and I couldn't quite justify this in my head, seeing as the setting was Vermont.

This story isn't for everyone and would probably make some readers uncomfortable, but as stated above, it would make a good discussion book. show less

Wow, can this author pick a more controversial topic?
Laying out on the table all, if sometimes too much information on transexuality and gender reassignment.

Like most of Bohjalian's novels, this one makes you think and question many possibly preconceived notions concerning love, sexuality and gender.

He humanizes characters, who are usually demonized or sensationalized in our culture, without preaching to you what you should believe.

This is a very interesting and informative read, but not for everyone.