Discovering Identity Through Fantasy: A Review of Transcendent: The Year’s Best Transgender Speculative Fiction
When I came across Transcendent: The Year’s Best Transgender Speculative Fiction, I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of excitement and curiosity. As a book blogger deeply invested in narratives that explore diverse identities, the idea of an anthology that collects the best transgender stories from 2015 brought a sense of hopeful anticipation. Edited by the talented editors at Lethe Press, this collection promised not just tales of transformation, but a deeper exploration of identity through speculative fiction—a theme that resonates on so many levels for those of us navigating our own journeys of self-discovery.
From the outset, what I found most engaging about Transcendent was its kaleidoscopic approach to transgender narratives. This anthology doesn’t just revolve around direct experiences of transition; rather, it intertwines these experiences with vibrant tales of magic, adventure, and sometimes eerie encounters, proving that identity can be both a personal and fantastical journey. Each story is a unique reflection of its author’s voice and perspective, making it a tapestry of trans existence, especially rich in its diversity of experiences and genres.
The anthology boasts standout pieces, like Nino Cipri’s “The Shape of My Name,” which deftly navigates memory and family ties through a time-travel lens. Cipri’s writing is not just engaging; it made me ponder how our past shapes our identity today. I also thoroughly enjoyed "Where Monsters Dance" by A. Merc Rustad, which seamlessly melds the ordinary with the fantastical, creating a narrative that explores both love and the struggle against societal norms. These stories resonated with me, sparking that delightful “aha!” moment of recognition when characters grapple with their realities, much like we do in our daily lives.
The collection does have its mixed moments, as is common with anthologies, but I appreciated that each story, whether a hit or miss, contributed to a larger conversation about identity and belonging. For instance, while I found some metaphorical narratives less impactful—like “Contents of Care Package to Etsath-tachri, Formerly Ryan Andrew Curran”—they still served a purpose in illustrating the richness of trans experiences, albeit in less conventional ways.
One of my favorite aspects of Transcendent is its intersectionality. It dives into the multifaceted nature of transgender life, representing both binary and non-binary experiences. This variety allows readers to find reflections of themselves or their loved ones within the pages, showcasing the universality of transformation, regardless of how it manifests.
Ultimately, Transcendent is not just a collection of stories; it’s a celebration of self-exploration and acceptance. I’d recommend this book to anyone—trans or cisgender—looking to expand their understanding of identity through the lens of imaginative fiction. It’s an opportunity to step outside oneself, to explore the boundaries of who we are, and perhaps, in the magic of fantasy, find a little piece of ourselves in the process.
This anthology impacted me on both a personal and literary level, reminding me of the power of stories to not just entertain, but to affirm and embolden us as we navigate the wondrous, often tumultuous road of self-realization. If you’re ready to open your mind and heart to diverse expressions of identity, pick up a copy of Transcendent. You might just find a bit of your own story nestled within its pages.
You can find Transcendent: The Year’s Best Transgender Speculative Fiction here >>