Litsplaining answers “Can someone explain Kathleen's story to...”

Veronica asked this question about These Violent Delights (These Violent Delights, #1):

Can someone explain Kathleen's story to me? Her sister died and she took over her identity? Why? I feel like I have missed something vital during that chapter...

Litsplaining Kathleen is a trans woman, who’s father does not accept her identity. Her chosen name is “Celia,” but her father refuses to call her by this name. Whe…moreKathleen is a trans woman, who’s father does not accept her identity. Her chosen name is “Celia,” but her father refuses to call her by this name. When her sister dies while they are away at school in France, her father allows her to take on Kathleen, the dead sister’s name, to save face when they return home to China.

Once at home, their family pretends that the male heir died instead of the real Kathleen and they let the new “Kathleen” exist in place of the actual daughter who died.

This hurts Kathleen as a trans woman, but she throws herself into being loyal to Juliette since Juliette is the only person who allows her to belong and always stands up for her. Throughout the book, we see how Kathleen focuses on not being clocked as trans. This is why the story of “Amethyst” is significant later in the book.(less)

flag

View all 7 comments

Stef Rozitis You've summarised it well but also that was one of my favourite things. Kathleen's story was poignant ...more
Apr 25, 2022 02:47AM

KT I'm currently reading the 2nd book in the series and I continue to be confused by this too! I keep wondering how I missed such a big detail, but your ...more
Mar 23, 2023 04:47PM

More questions about These Violent Delights…

These Violent Delights

by Chloe Gong (Goodreads Author)

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more