The Bone Doll's Twin (The Tamír Triad, #1)

Questions About The Bone Doll's Twin (The Tamír Triad, #1)

by Lynn Flewelling (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (1)

Does Tobin know s/he was born a woman, and does s/he want to return to life as a woman, or is this choice forced upon her/him? In other words, is Tobin an accurate representation of a trans individual, or can their "trans identity" be shrugged off with the excuse that s/he had no choice or desire in the matter (and if s/he had s/he would have of course chosen the "right" gender)?
Sky Tobin isn't really a trans character, and this isn't really a book about gender identity. Tobin grows up believing himself to be a boy and wanting to …moreTobin isn't really a trans character, and this isn't really a book about gender identity. Tobin grows up believing himself to be a boy and wanting to grow into a man. At some point he has some inklings that he might be a little different than the other boys, but he never really questions his gender.

At some point he learns that he's a girl wearing the skin of her dead brother, and is upset and confused by this, but it's just one of many worries dumped on him at the same time. Far later in the series, when he becomes a she, she does have a very difficult time adjusting, especially in trying to sort out how her relationships have changed, and I think this is the closest the book comes to saying something about transitioning.

This is an enjoyable fantasy series and I think Tobin's story is moving and relatable in many ways. But I don't think it's a realistic portrayal of someone transitioning, nor is it trying to be. In the world of the book, people who are anatomically male are men, and people who are anatomically female are women. Different men and women can fulfill and express those roles differently, but sex and gender are immutable. Tobin is presented as a girl who was magically disguised as a boy, and her views and sense self aren't relevant.(less)
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