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When Butches Cry
Reveling in her contrariness, Traf’s got no time for ‘good’ women who conform. She competes with men, wears male clothing, and steals their jobs. A fighter, damn the consequences, she’s totally unsuited to the mundane role of a mid-twentieth century Azorean woman. Traf dreams of going to America where women do as they like, make their own money, and live without the permission of men. Emotionally damaged by past relationships, Ana is convinced she’s hopelessly inadequate. She joins an unprecedented type of private club, a group of women loving women calling themselves Troublemakers. The golden-haired beauty could have her pick of lovers, but her heart yearns for the mischievous butch with dark, brooding eyes. Fascinated by Traf since they were schoolgirls together, Ana knows her crush is hopeless; how could such a cocky, not to mention arousing, woman ever love her? Gossip, sexism, priests, the US Air Force, and even their families, oppose them at every turn. Battling to exist in peace, Traf, Ana, and the other Troublemakers develop a unique subculture of support for each other, but no one is prepared When Butches Cry.
- GenresHistorical
370 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2016
1 person is currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Genta Sebastian
32 books70 followersGenta Sebastian runs with scissors, always laughs without shame, sometimes writes naked, and can’t help dreaming big.
A multiple award-winning author, she sometimes writes Sapphic romances, like the Troublemaker series:
When Butches Cry (2nd ed. rel. August, 2023)as:
A Troublemaker Never Cries
A Troublemaker May Surprise (rel. August, 2023)
A Troublemaker Sometimes Lies (exp. rel. date Nov. 2023)
A Troublemaker in Her Eyes (exp. rel. date May, 2024)
She’s also written two novels for children living in Rainbow Families: Riding the Rainbow (GCLS award winner 2015) for middle-school readers, and A Man’s Man for Young Adults.
She stepped into the horror genre with: We Don’t Say Gay in Tranquility Bay! a trigger-warning horror story with a twist.
Lost is a novelette right out of the Twilight Zone. A grieving widow finds a strange child lost in a snowstorm, made of snow and ice.
But she started out writing wlw (women loving women, i.e. lesbian) erotica short stories that range from super-hot sexy sci-fi Martian/Human first contact, to culinary cunnilinguists, to drag kings, to college and tropical vacations, exotic settings, unforgettable characters, and quirky situations. These stories are fully adult and not intended for young audiences.
See her Amazon Author Page for current releases.
A multiple award-winning author, she sometimes writes Sapphic romances, like the Troublemaker series:
When Butches Cry (2nd ed. rel. August, 2023)as:
A Troublemaker Never Cries
A Troublemaker May Surprise (rel. August, 2023)
A Troublemaker Sometimes Lies (exp. rel. date Nov. 2023)
A Troublemaker in Her Eyes (exp. rel. date May, 2024)
She’s also written two novels for children living in Rainbow Families: Riding the Rainbow (GCLS award winner 2015) for middle-school readers, and A Man’s Man for Young Adults.
She stepped into the horror genre with: We Don’t Say Gay in Tranquility Bay! a trigger-warning horror story with a twist.
Lost is a novelette right out of the Twilight Zone. A grieving widow finds a strange child lost in a snowstorm, made of snow and ice.
But she started out writing wlw (women loving women, i.e. lesbian) erotica short stories that range from super-hot sexy sci-fi Martian/Human first contact, to culinary cunnilinguists, to drag kings, to college and tropical vacations, exotic settings, unforgettable characters, and quirky situations. These stories are fully adult and not intended for young audiences.
See her Amazon Author Page for current releases.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 17, 2016
I received this book for free in advance of its general release, but was not required to review it in exchange.
The novel was thought provoking and nostalgic on many levels and I identified with the character as a soft butch. While reading the story it brought back many good and bad memories of my childhood, being raised in a strict Catholic household with a bully for a father, during the same era that this story takes place. I also joined the military and the stories of boot camp were familiar. The understanding that Traf arrived at when she realized that her Sargents were tearing her down in order to test her fortitude and build up her confidence in her own abilities. The pride she felt when she succeeded, rang true for me. It also true to life in that American women were being discharged it they were found out to be gay and losing careers they had worked hard on, so we hid who we were. This was before don’t ask don’t tell policy.
Since the Island of Terceira was so small it made the lesbians in the story much more visible to their society than those of us that grew up in the US, making them much easier to spot. This allowed the gays in the story to form into strong groups that tried to protect each other from the inhabitants bigotry, hatred and violence that was visited upon them.
The story touches on so many emotions and feelings of the butches vs. the femmes, trying to define their roles within their relationships and the group, that many of us have struggled with as well. The desperation to escape the violence and hatred by suicide, which is still a big problem today. The characters are well developed and the descriptions of the life and culture were evocative. There was a lot of darkness in the story but also many funny stories and pranks to lighten it up.
I found myself unsettled at the end as I don’t know where the story will ultimately lead Traf, as this book is the start of a series I assume. But Traf is a strong character and I believe she will persevere. Now I will have to wait to find out how her story will play out.
The novel was thought provoking and nostalgic on many levels and I identified with the character as a soft butch. While reading the story it brought back many good and bad memories of my childhood, being raised in a strict Catholic household with a bully for a father, during the same era that this story takes place. I also joined the military and the stories of boot camp were familiar. The understanding that Traf arrived at when she realized that her Sargents were tearing her down in order to test her fortitude and build up her confidence in her own abilities. The pride she felt when she succeeded, rang true for me. It also true to life in that American women were being discharged it they were found out to be gay and losing careers they had worked hard on, so we hid who we were. This was before don’t ask don’t tell policy.
Since the Island of Terceira was so small it made the lesbians in the story much more visible to their society than those of us that grew up in the US, making them much easier to spot. This allowed the gays in the story to form into strong groups that tried to protect each other from the inhabitants bigotry, hatred and violence that was visited upon them.
The story touches on so many emotions and feelings of the butches vs. the femmes, trying to define their roles within their relationships and the group, that many of us have struggled with as well. The desperation to escape the violence and hatred by suicide, which is still a big problem today. The characters are well developed and the descriptions of the life and culture were evocative. There was a lot of darkness in the story but also many funny stories and pranks to lighten it up.
I found myself unsettled at the end as I don’t know where the story will ultimately lead Traf, as this book is the start of a series I assume. But Traf is a strong character and I believe she will persevere. Now I will have to wait to find out how her story will play out.
December 24, 2016
Arc recieved from the publisher via Net galley in exchange for an honest review
I've been done with this book for several days. Just been pondering my thoughts about it. The setting was unique....Portugal Island of Terceira beginning just after WW2 ended. It is mostly about the main character Traf and her friends coming to terms with being gay and what that means for them in the context of their larger culture and even more their family and friends.
It was very simplistically written. Not a lot of delving into deep feelings. Very superficial. Though this left the reader a lot of opportunity to think about how you may feel in the same situation. It also left the characters without a lot of depth. Even so, I found myself liking Traf and her friends.
There was a lot of rape/violence towards women in this book. The scenes were not graphically depicted...again everything just kind of skirted the surface...but still may be triggers for some people.
All in all I am a bit ambivalent about this book. I guess the most telling review was when I asked myself would I read the next installment to see what happens with Traf and Ana? The answer was yes! So...3 stars
I've been done with this book for several days. Just been pondering my thoughts about it. The setting was unique....Portugal Island of Terceira beginning just after WW2 ended. It is mostly about the main character Traf and her friends coming to terms with being gay and what that means for them in the context of their larger culture and even more their family and friends.
It was very simplistically written. Not a lot of delving into deep feelings. Very superficial. Though this left the reader a lot of opportunity to think about how you may feel in the same situation. It also left the characters without a lot of depth. Even so, I found myself liking Traf and her friends.
There was a lot of rape/violence towards women in this book. The scenes were not graphically depicted...again everything just kind of skirted the surface...but still may be triggers for some people.
All in all I am a bit ambivalent about this book. I guess the most telling review was when I asked myself would I read the next installment to see what happens with Traf and Ana? The answer was yes! So...3 stars
December 23, 2016
Genta Sebastian's Butches Don't Cry is a deeply felt emotional roller coaster. The story follows Vitoria, who becomes stone butch Traf, as she matures from adolescent to adult in a complex, engrossing story. Set in the late 50s into the 60s, this is a coming of age novel as well as a study of lesbians and gays and the lives they lead on a tiny island in the Atlantic. Life isn't easy but the will to battle on regardless the most dire of circumstances is a thread that runs thought the entire story. Gut wrenching and breathtaking.
December 10, 2016
I was given "When Butches Cry" in return for an honest review.
I loved "When Butches Cry." I made the mistake of beginning the book to help me fall asleep just at the beginning of studying for my finals for the semester. I miscalculated in regards to my ability to put the book down and fall asleep.
I started reading and couldn't put the book down. The story immediately drew me in and kept me reading nearly all night. I loved the history of the island and the fierceness of all the characters especially Traf and Ana. I can't say that if I were in a similar situation and faced some of the struggles the Island women did that I would have come out as well of them as well.
The subtle depth of the characters allowed me to, not only reflect on my thoughts and feelings regarding the situation the characters found themselves in, but to ask myself how I would have handled being threatened and bullied or worse raped because of who I am.
I loved "When Butches Cry." I made the mistake of beginning the book to help me fall asleep just at the beginning of studying for my finals for the semester. I miscalculated in regards to my ability to put the book down and fall asleep.
I started reading and couldn't put the book down. The story immediately drew me in and kept me reading nearly all night. I loved the history of the island and the fierceness of all the characters especially Traf and Ana. I can't say that if I were in a similar situation and faced some of the struggles the Island women did that I would have come out as well of them as well.
The subtle depth of the characters allowed me to, not only reflect on my thoughts and feelings regarding the situation the characters found themselves in, but to ask myself how I would have handled being threatened and bullied or worse raped because of who I am.
November 18, 2016
I rec'd a copy of this book via NetGalley. No synopsis needed. I was intrigued by the story setting of the Azores and was not disappointed with the plot flow (rape and violence was handled with a soft touch though realistic and truthful) but it was a bit confusing with all of the various characters. It seemed that there were too many at times. Traf and Ana weather emotional ups and downs however the end of the story leaves me with more questions than answers. I don't like packaged endings but felt somewhat that this particular ending was abrupt. 4 stars. (less)
November 24, 2016
When Butches Cry is more a coming of age story than a love story. The ending is a little bit ambiguous, giving us an opening to see either the HEA or perhaps something different, depending on how the reader takes it, or perhaps the author intends a sequel. There are some beautiful parts of the book and some very sad, horrible parts of the book. It covers the range of human experience and emotion. I enjoyed learning about life in the Azores In the 1960s, the culture and environment were well-described and very interesting. Both Traf and Ana are enjoyable characters. The book is an emotional read that will keep you entertained and educate you at the same time. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest recommendation.
October 30, 2016
I *loved* this book. Traf's mischievous and tough personality comes sparkling through almost every page. The glimpse into life on a small Catholic conservative Portuguese island during the 1950s and '60s is a wonderful cultural portrait. The genetic inbreeding that causes 25% of a generation to be born homosexual turns the small island on its ear. Watching Traf grow into the person she is supposed to be, taking chances to make her dreams come true, and persevering despite violent prejudice is a coming-of-age gem. When the bigotry takes its most savage, personal twist, the aftermath and its impact resonates through one's heart for years to come. Well done, Ms. Sebastian.
December 18, 2016
I love this book and have been telling all my LGBTQ friends about it. The setting was both foreign yet familiar, unusual and interesting since it was set on the island of Terceira in the Azores. Author Genta Sebastian seamlessly weaves in touches of everyday culture that at times is poignant and in turn outrageous. We follow along with Traf, a Butch lesbian, and her group of adventurous women who love other women, as they cope with a society that does not accept them.
If you want to read an engaging sometimes shocking story pick this book up right now.
If you want to read an engaging sometimes shocking story pick this book up right now.
December 19, 2016
Traf is the archetypal tomboy, the first girl to play football with the boys, competing with her brother in everything, ringleader and troublemaker. As she grows from a child to a feisty teen she realizes she is more different than just her hatred of the confinements of skirts and ladylike behavior. In the extremely regimented and catholic word of the Portuguese Azores in the early 1960’s she must fight to be herself and carve a life in a tiny community where there is nowhere to hide.
This is an interesting read. We have stories of British and American lesbian life in the ‘50s and 60’s, but this is the first I have come across set in another country, and the differences are intriguing. The old-world Island of Terceira is tiny and the populations small: the group of ‘maria rapaz’ (tomboys) stands out and draws attention. The island is extremely conservative in many ways, girls not even allowed to dance with boys until they are formally courting, and their courting done with a chaperone present at all times. Women have a very clearly defined role and are forcibly not allowed to step out of them.
Vitoria (Traf) was never cut out to fit in the world of parental and patriarchal control and rebels in every conceivable way. As she grows she draws a group of like-minded women around her, and over time they form into a butch and femme group; friends, lovers, community and club. While their struggles to find themselves and establish a lifestyle is similar to tales from elsewhere, the level of violence they suffer for being visibly gay is shocking and at times heart rendering.
Life on the island is fascinating, showing us a different world in both terms of the rural lifestyle and the old fashioned ways. Ms Sebastian uses it to great effect as both a backdrop and as a way to place these women in a different world. The landscape is very much part of the story and the land a strong presence in the women’s lives.
The group of lesbians are a colourful mix, themselves set into rigidly defined roles of butch and femme that constrain their lives. Even there Traf rebels, constrained by the perceived role of a butch but frustrated by the rules which expect her to act like a husband and yet denies her sexual release.
Everything about this book feels very slightly alien. It’s a glimpse into a life where generations of customs and religious beliefs have regimented every aspect of women’s lives, with a European twist and a Portuguese flavour.
There’s a twist in the tale that suggests this will become a series, and I will want to read what happens next, whether Traf escapes the confines of her life through her career in the US air force, or convinces herself to stay loyal to a home and girlfriend that seem wholly too small for her.
This is an interesting read. We have stories of British and American lesbian life in the ‘50s and 60’s, but this is the first I have come across set in another country, and the differences are intriguing. The old-world Island of Terceira is tiny and the populations small: the group of ‘maria rapaz’ (tomboys) stands out and draws attention. The island is extremely conservative in many ways, girls not even allowed to dance with boys until they are formally courting, and their courting done with a chaperone present at all times. Women have a very clearly defined role and are forcibly not allowed to step out of them.
Vitoria (Traf) was never cut out to fit in the world of parental and patriarchal control and rebels in every conceivable way. As she grows she draws a group of like-minded women around her, and over time they form into a butch and femme group; friends, lovers, community and club. While their struggles to find themselves and establish a lifestyle is similar to tales from elsewhere, the level of violence they suffer for being visibly gay is shocking and at times heart rendering.
Life on the island is fascinating, showing us a different world in both terms of the rural lifestyle and the old fashioned ways. Ms Sebastian uses it to great effect as both a backdrop and as a way to place these women in a different world. The landscape is very much part of the story and the land a strong presence in the women’s lives.
The group of lesbians are a colourful mix, themselves set into rigidly defined roles of butch and femme that constrain their lives. Even there Traf rebels, constrained by the perceived role of a butch but frustrated by the rules which expect her to act like a husband and yet denies her sexual release.
Everything about this book feels very slightly alien. It’s a glimpse into a life where generations of customs and religious beliefs have regimented every aspect of women’s lives, with a European twist and a Portuguese flavour.
There’s a twist in the tale that suggests this will become a series, and I will want to read what happens next, whether Traf escapes the confines of her life through her career in the US air force, or convinces herself to stay loyal to a home and girlfriend that seem wholly too small for her.
December 17, 2016
Without growing up during this particular era, it may be hard for some reader to empathize with. Just like their great grandparents trying to understand how we use phones as pocket computers now. But that shouldn’t stop you from taking the time to read this book and try and understand the times and the cultural differences, as it weaves a rich tapestry of days gone by.
On an island ruled by men and the church. The women in this story struggle to become the person they really are inside, and their society perceives this as a threat, bringing violence, agonizing loss, and banding together a group of friends finding strength to withstand both.
I can’t wait for the next book.
On an island ruled by men and the church. The women in this story struggle to become the person they really are inside, and their society perceives this as a threat, bringing violence, agonizing loss, and banding together a group of friends finding strength to withstand both.
I can’t wait for the next book.
June 17, 2017
I really enjoyed the book reading about Traf growing up in the Azores islands during the 60's was interesting. Seeing how she and the others in her group dealt with how everyone treated them. Through it all Traf was able to stay true to herself and gain strength from her friends. The ending had me thinking and wondering what was next for Traf.
Book provided by the publisher via netgalley for an honest review.
Book provided by the publisher via netgalley for an honest review.
February 18, 2017
Top Notch!
A brilliant and fascinating portrait of women living in a time period with an atmosphere of intolerance and hostility. In an era where the church and society dictated female domesticity, limited the womens educational development and with no equality of the sexes. A precious step back in time. It's about girls/women who refuse to follow the rules, about girls/women who didn't fit in. They are threatened, beaten but also loved. There is solidarity, friendship, passion and love. I loved the development of the characters, the development of the relationships, the heart warming personalities, the butch-fem roles, Chuckie, the interesting and funny dialogues and lively conversations between the butches. I loved the poignant insight into the lives of these strong women in that era. A fascinating, gripping and sometimes horrifying story. It really moved me. An excellent story, a story that fascinated me. Needless to say, this was a page turner. And yes, butches cry too.
A brilliant and fascinating portrait of women living in a time period with an atmosphere of intolerance and hostility. In an era where the church and society dictated female domesticity, limited the womens educational development and with no equality of the sexes. A precious step back in time. It's about girls/women who refuse to follow the rules, about girls/women who didn't fit in. They are threatened, beaten but also loved. There is solidarity, friendship, passion and love. I loved the development of the characters, the development of the relationships, the heart warming personalities, the butch-fem roles, Chuckie, the interesting and funny dialogues and lively conversations between the butches. I loved the poignant insight into the lives of these strong women in that era. A fascinating, gripping and sometimes horrifying story. It really moved me. An excellent story, a story that fascinated me. Needless to say, this was a page turner. And yes, butches cry too.
July 22, 2018
WOW WOW WOW … I will be the first to admit that I was surprised I loved this book after reading the synopsis as I wasn’t entirely convinced that it would be a book I would read, how wrong was I.
This is one very interesting and fascinating book. The story is very powerful and has many twists and turns that will keep you turning the page until you get to the end (even then you want more).
Vitoria (Taf) is a tomboy and likes to do things her way. She is the first to play football with the boys, likes to compete against her brother and she likes to be the leader. She is also a little bit of a troublemaker. The one thing I did enjoy reading about her, is her strength. I fell in love with her from the beginning.
I’ve learned some things about life in a different era and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is the first book by this author that I have read and it certainly won’t be the last.
I won this book in a competition on FB. Thank you Ms Sebastian for the book.
This is one very interesting and fascinating book. The story is very powerful and has many twists and turns that will keep you turning the page until you get to the end (even then you want more).
Vitoria (Taf) is a tomboy and likes to do things her way. She is the first to play football with the boys, likes to compete against her brother and she likes to be the leader. She is also a little bit of a troublemaker. The one thing I did enjoy reading about her, is her strength. I fell in love with her from the beginning.
I’ve learned some things about life in a different era and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is the first book by this author that I have read and it certainly won’t be the last.
I won this book in a competition on FB. Thank you Ms Sebastian for the book.
December 9, 2017
For a 270 page book, this story is extremely long. I think the languid pace, and the fact it spans over a number of years, rather than mere months, or days, contributed to that.
People who enjoy stories with a lot of telling, and I'm not saying that in a bad way, will find themselves enthralled with the journey the author takes them on. Due to the nature of the plot, for it to advance at a good clip, there are time jumps and info dumps.
For the most part, the story is told from Tarf's point of view. However the reader gets the voice of many of characters along the way. There's some slight head-hopping but nothing jarring.
This really is a book you need to sample for yourself. I can't say more without spoilers, so take a chance and give it a go.
Copy generously provided by the publisher, Sapphire Books, upon my request.
People who enjoy stories with a lot of telling, and I'm not saying that in a bad way, will find themselves enthralled with the journey the author takes them on. Due to the nature of the plot, for it to advance at a good clip, there are time jumps and info dumps.
For the most part, the story is told from Tarf's point of view. However the reader gets the voice of many of characters along the way. There's some slight head-hopping but nothing jarring.
This really is a book you need to sample for yourself. I can't say more without spoilers, so take a chance and give it a go.
Copy generously provided by the publisher, Sapphire Books, upon my request.
March 21, 2017
I loved this novel. Interesting, literary, very well written. I recommend it to anyone who loves lesbian lit at its best and also for history and geography buffs. The island of Terceira in the 60's is a world I knew nothing about and the author has made it come alive in all its isolation, innocence, homophobia and comlexity. Can't wait for the sequel!
February 14, 2017
This was a fantastic historical fiction story about lesbian women who live on the island of Terciera in the 1950s/1960s. These women create their own community in which they live, laugh, love and support each other beautifully. They also have some amazing experiences, including working on the US Air Force base and travelling the world.
The story of these Azorean women who courageously choose to live their lives honestly and openly was inspiring. The experiences they had, the women they loved and the lives they built for themselves kept me reading until it was much too late and my eyes were burning. But I did not want to put this story down even when it broke my heart. I don't really want to say much else and spoil this wonderful story but take my advice and READ IT.
The story of these Azorean women who courageously choose to live their lives honestly and openly was inspiring. The experiences they had, the women they loved and the lives they built for themselves kept me reading until it was much too late and my eyes were burning. But I did not want to put this story down even when it broke my heart. I don't really want to say much else and spoil this wonderful story but take my advice and READ IT.
June 29, 2017
I received a copy from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Genta Sebastian for the opportunity to read your book. This was not my cup of tea. I did find the characters a bit annoying at times. I did not like Traf very much because she was unfaithful. I found it interesting to learn about Portuguese women and their times in America during the 1960s time frame. I wonder what will happen next. I wish the ending was a bit better. Overall, not a read for me.
Thank you Genta Sebastian for the opportunity to read your book. This was not my cup of tea. I did find the characters a bit annoying at times. I did not like Traf very much because she was unfaithful. I found it interesting to learn about Portuguese women and their times in America during the 1960s time frame. I wonder what will happen next. I wish the ending was a bit better. Overall, not a read for me.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews