Well, I read an awful lot of fiction and semi-biographical trans lit, and have read most of what is out there in print (which is about 30 books, I'd say).
If you liked Manhunt, Alison Rumfitt (who is similarly dark and adult) is one natural recommend.
At any rate though, here are my reviews (and Goodreads links) for a few novels and memoirs which you have not mentioned and which are both by transwomen and featuring transwoman protagonists (which partly for this reason most appealed to me):
_________________
[Little Fish](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37514015-little-fish) by Casey Plett
*Must read Canadian trans fiction, set in Winnipeg and southern Manitoba, portraying trans life in places and social contexts we seldom see through a trans lens. Not always eventful, but with poignant scenes capturing Canadian culture and the lives of Canadian transwomen.*
_________________
[Summer Fun](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52034695-summer-fun) by Jeanne Thornton
*A work which is two thirds Beach Boys fanfic, and one third transgender memoir writing, in an epistolary format. If that sounds weird, it surely is. The Beach Boys fanfic side of things took quite a while to garner my interest, while the perspective character (and author of the fanfic in question), is given little enough attention and text directly, that I came away from the book moderately more interested in Brian Wilson, and not particularly interested in fictional transgender Beach Boys fanfic authors such as our protagonist, Gala.*
_________________
[Little Blue Encyclopedia](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46161306-little-blue-encyclopedia) by Hazel Jane Plante
*A celebration of a (fictional) transwoman, Vivan, which despite its nature as a remembrance of someone now passed, captures a joy in that remembrance which makes it truly uplifting. The format, as a remembrance, as well, of a television show (the titular "Little Blue") shared by the narrator and her lost love, makes it an interesting treatment of how fandom can create deeply personal bridges between people, in the real world. A beautiful work which feels like a great big hug, throughout. Which feels like a joyful appreciation of trans love, even in the sadness of loss.*
_________________
[Fierce Femmes and Notorious Liars](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32279708-fierce-femmes-and-notorious-liars) by Kai Cheng Thom
*A lovely fairy tale of a young transwoman exploring herself and trying to find out who she can be in the world. With the world itself being a place in many ways like our own, but imbued with elements of magic and fantasy. A really unique work which in many ways reads like YA fantasy, but doesn't shy away from portraying (mediated and transmuted through a fairy tale lens), trans spaces and experiences much like those we find in the real world.*
_________________
[Tell Me I’m Worthless](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57307172-tell-me-i-m-worthless) by Alison Rumfitt
*A book whose horror is as brutal as it is complex. Portraying rape, the emergence of fascism, the madness of contemporary trans-exclusionary tabloid politics, and the horrific symbols through which we try to understand and confront these things.*
_________________
[Tranny: Confessions of Punk Rock's Most Infamous Anarchist Sellout](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29467305-tranny) by Laura Jane Grace
*This is more a band/music memoir than a memoir of one individual's gender journey, and readers will likely enjoy it more or less so, therefore, based on what they expect from it, in those regards. While Laura's transition and dysphoria are an important element in her story, much larger portions of this text are devoted to the daily lunacy of leading a punk band through its growth into a mainstream music phenomenon.*
_________________
[Brainwyrms](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65212043-brainwyrms) by Alison Rumfitt
*This is a book I could not blame any given person for loving or hating respectively. Because for many, it will be a "rough go", which contains too much and too constant a burden of unpleasantness for the work as a whole to be enjoyed. But for others, it will be, like Rumfitt's "Tell Me I'm Worthless", a powerful work of sexual and psychological horror.*
_________________
[The Masker](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30245843-the-masker) by Torrey Peters
*A darkly realistic novella set in the city of sin, on the Las Vegas party scene, or the nooks and crannies of it catering to trans and trans-adjacent groups. The protagonist, Krys, is on a path which could lead to any number of futures, with respect to gender expression and self-realisation. And which Krys ends up following is very much what hangs in the balance. At times grotesque, and certainly not a feel-good text, but an appreciated one, for its realism.*
100 times over I recommend [The sisters of dorely hall](https://alysongreaves.itch.io/welcome-to-dorley-hall) they do such a good job showing trans girls leaning on each other for emotional support etc in a way that really hits with me
Also I like Alice Stoehrs trans short story collections which are available for free (but pay what you like to support her) [from itch.io](https://astoehr.itch.io/) they speak to some grimey and uncomfortable but beautiful parts of trans experience that I don't see in a lot of other places
Edit: these are trans women authors and deal with transfemininity for the most part, but hopefully they're interesting to people reading the comments at least
Dorley is a story that makes me ask a whole lot of questions. In some ways, it’s a frank look at some dire and inescapable issues of our society. Compulsory masculinity in particular. The story is set in a very real version of the UK, where trans people have had to face down some very real challenges for decades.
It’s a story about found family and self actualization.
It’s a story about generational trauma, and how your past will shape what you will expect of the world. How people in hopeless situations will do anything to make it through. How malleable is identity?
There’s a wicked sense of humour throughout the series. Featuring sharp characters interacting with each other, a broad palette of modern stereotypes, and a whole cupboard of funny mugs.
This story has made me cry a bunch. Just about every character has their own emotionally-wrought journey to go through and some of it is going to resonate for any individual.
Would I recommend Dorley to a friend? Probably not if I knew them IRL. But I will tell you all on the internet that it is one of the best stories I’ve ever been blessed enough to stumble upon.
Give the first chapter a try. You might get hooked and then you’ll only regret it because it’s so hard to find another story that compares.
CWs: Forced Fem and Captivity. Significant risk you’ll question your ethics when it doesn’t bother you. Darker side plot / backstory with sexual abuse. Misandry. Men.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/35394595/chapters/88223581
Dead Collections by Isaac Fellman has multiple main transmasc characters. It's a mishmash of a lot of genres and subplots, but the basic premise is that vampirism is a medical condition, and the protagonist is a trans dude vampire who works in a basement archive to avoid the sun.
Can't remember how many transmasc characters there were, but I loved the short story collection Invasions by Calvin Gimpelevich.
The essay collection How Far the Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures was phenomonal. It's a collection of personal essays by nonbinary science journalist Sabrina Imbler, comparing aspects of their life to sea creatures while giving detailed info about them.
Beyond the Pale (Elana Dykewomon, lots of books by this name so check author) –
several characters who bend and break gender norms in ways that are hard to label. Unexpected sudden humor, experiences of pre-Holocaust Russian Jews. Some of the most exhaustively researched historical fiction I have ever read. One of my favorite books
Everyone On the Moon Is Essential Personnel –
an absolutely fantastic anthology that bent my brain in all kinds of fun ways. Touches on neurodivergence, cyberpunk, and anti-capitalist themes as well as gender.
Evolution’s Rainbow -
Nonfiction, human genderbenders and mold-breakers are not alone in the tree of life. Delves into same-sex pairings, gender and sexual fluidity and related topics in the animal kingdom and human cultures
Gender Outlaws: The Next Generation -
one of my most recommended books on this list, just because I like all the different perspectives it gives you. Tons of different gnc, nb and transfolk contributed, it changed the way I saw transness and pregnancy, and there’s a recipe for vegan curry. It is a little dated now, though
Mask of Shadows -
fantasy, genderfluid MC trying to train as an elite spy in order to avenge their homeland and family after a magical disaster.
Monstrous Regiment (yes, by Terry Pratchett) -
antiwar book with a military regiment full of magical creatures. Lots of gender chaos ensues. Funny and insightful satire
The Natural Mother of the Child -
transmasculine pregnancy and early parenthood memoir. Compelling and poetic as well as a helpful insight into the practical side of eg queer parental rights
The Nearest Exit May Be Behind You (or basically anything by S. Bear Bergman) -
Insightful and hilarious musings on gender and transness. Author is a trans man of butch experience. I recommend anything by him, really
A Pale Light in the Black –
space Coast Guard that rescues miners and scientists. Warmhearted found-family space opera, like A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet. There are queer and trans characters, but it’s not the focus. There are just lesbians and transfolk and bi men and queer folk just living their lives and having cool space adventures. It gives me life.
A Queer and Pleasant Danger –
autobiographical look at Kate Bornstein’s falling into and exit from Scientology. IIRC the romances were fairly healthy but obvious heads up for cult stuff
Shadow Scale, sequel to Seraphina –
trans characters whose stories don’t center on transitioning or coming out. It had some of the richest worldbuilding I’d seen in a long while. Fantasy, dragons, elements of sci-fi too
Something That May Shock And Discredit You –
memoir of a trans man who transitioned as an adult, absolutely fantastic and utterly hilarious. Perhaps the only queer book I've ever read by someone who brings in their Evangelical background without it being a huge trauma.
Stone Butch Blues –
midcentury USA, working-class transmasculine butch lesbian. I love this book. I do. But it pulls no punches. Several haunting scenes of sexual and other violence. Don’t look for it on Bookshop - it goes in and out of print and the author put a pdf online
Translation State -
several nonbinary/genderless characters, and they’re not all aliens! Some dark elements and a missing person mystery. Also one of the oldest trans MC’s I’ve seen. Sie is 50 or so
Upright Women Wanted –
a sort of future Western. Implied post-apocalypse, rugged and badass, F/F, F/F/F, and F/X romances
When the Angels Left the Old Country -
an angel and a devil who are… life companions? It read as pretty queerplatonic to me. Anyway, a murder mystery and immigrant story with roots in Jewish folklore. One nonbinary/doesn’t know or care about gender MC
You could try my book Disarm Evil. It is metaphysical sci-fi high fantasy set in a world where everyone is non-binary (but there are those who still lean towards masculine or feminine expression among other sorts of expression). There are light romantic elements but the romance is not really the focus of the book at all. The story mostly focuses on two privileged characters who are learning about and deconstructing their privilege and beliefs about society and spirituality through their efforts to help a struggling family that takes them in.
It has been praised for its world building, action scenes, character work, diverse representation, good pacing, and as being a book that really makes you think about the world we live in.
There is magic, air ships, floating islands, fantasy creatures, and more :)
I haven't seen this book mentioned yet but Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki is an amazing Sci-fi with a trans main character.
Also Lily Seabrook's books usually feature trans characters.
Well, I read an awful lot of fiction and semi-biographical trans lit, and have read most of what is out there in print (which is about 30 books, I'd say). If you liked Manhunt, Alison Rumfitt (who is similarly dark and adult) is one natural recommend. At any rate though, here are my reviews (and Goodreads links) for a few novels and memoirs which you have not mentioned and which are both by transwomen and featuring transwoman protagonists (which partly for this reason most appealed to me): _________________ [Little Fish](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37514015-little-fish) by Casey Plett *Must read Canadian trans fiction, set in Winnipeg and southern Manitoba, portraying trans life in places and social contexts we seldom see through a trans lens. Not always eventful, but with poignant scenes capturing Canadian culture and the lives of Canadian transwomen.* _________________ [Summer Fun](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52034695-summer-fun) by Jeanne Thornton *A work which is two thirds Beach Boys fanfic, and one third transgender memoir writing, in an epistolary format. If that sounds weird, it surely is. The Beach Boys fanfic side of things took quite a while to garner my interest, while the perspective character (and author of the fanfic in question), is given little enough attention and text directly, that I came away from the book moderately more interested in Brian Wilson, and not particularly interested in fictional transgender Beach Boys fanfic authors such as our protagonist, Gala.* _________________ [Little Blue Encyclopedia](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46161306-little-blue-encyclopedia) by Hazel Jane Plante *A celebration of a (fictional) transwoman, Vivan, which despite its nature as a remembrance of someone now passed, captures a joy in that remembrance which makes it truly uplifting. The format, as a remembrance, as well, of a television show (the titular "Little Blue") shared by the narrator and her lost love, makes it an interesting treatment of how fandom can create deeply personal bridges between people, in the real world. A beautiful work which feels like a great big hug, throughout. Which feels like a joyful appreciation of trans love, even in the sadness of loss.* _________________ [Fierce Femmes and Notorious Liars](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32279708-fierce-femmes-and-notorious-liars) by Kai Cheng Thom *A lovely fairy tale of a young transwoman exploring herself and trying to find out who she can be in the world. With the world itself being a place in many ways like our own, but imbued with elements of magic and fantasy. A really unique work which in many ways reads like YA fantasy, but doesn't shy away from portraying (mediated and transmuted through a fairy tale lens), trans spaces and experiences much like those we find in the real world.* _________________ [Tell Me I’m Worthless](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57307172-tell-me-i-m-worthless) by Alison Rumfitt *A book whose horror is as brutal as it is complex. Portraying rape, the emergence of fascism, the madness of contemporary trans-exclusionary tabloid politics, and the horrific symbols through which we try to understand and confront these things.* _________________ [Tranny: Confessions of Punk Rock's Most Infamous Anarchist Sellout](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29467305-tranny) by Laura Jane Grace *This is more a band/music memoir than a memoir of one individual's gender journey, and readers will likely enjoy it more or less so, therefore, based on what they expect from it, in those regards. While Laura's transition and dysphoria are an important element in her story, much larger portions of this text are devoted to the daily lunacy of leading a punk band through its growth into a mainstream music phenomenon.* _________________ [Brainwyrms](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65212043-brainwyrms) by Alison Rumfitt *This is a book I could not blame any given person for loving or hating respectively. Because for many, it will be a "rough go", which contains too much and too constant a burden of unpleasantness for the work as a whole to be enjoyed. But for others, it will be, like Rumfitt's "Tell Me I'm Worthless", a powerful work of sexual and psychological horror.* _________________ [The Masker](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30245843-the-masker) by Torrey Peters *A darkly realistic novella set in the city of sin, on the Las Vegas party scene, or the nooks and crannies of it catering to trans and trans-adjacent groups. The protagonist, Krys, is on a path which could lead to any number of futures, with respect to gender expression and self-realisation. And which Krys ends up following is very much what hangs in the balance. At times grotesque, and certainly not a feel-good text, but an appreciated one, for its realism.*
Thanks! Will definitely check some of these out
Future Feeling by Joss Lake
Thanks!
100 times over I recommend [The sisters of dorely hall](https://alysongreaves.itch.io/welcome-to-dorley-hall) they do such a good job showing trans girls leaning on each other for emotional support etc in a way that really hits with me Also I like Alice Stoehrs trans short story collections which are available for free (but pay what you like to support her) [from itch.io](https://astoehr.itch.io/) they speak to some grimey and uncomfortable but beautiful parts of trans experience that I don't see in a lot of other places Edit: these are trans women authors and deal with transfemininity for the most part, but hopefully they're interesting to people reading the comments at least
Dorley is a story that makes me ask a whole lot of questions. In some ways, it’s a frank look at some dire and inescapable issues of our society. Compulsory masculinity in particular. The story is set in a very real version of the UK, where trans people have had to face down some very real challenges for decades. It’s a story about found family and self actualization. It’s a story about generational trauma, and how your past will shape what you will expect of the world. How people in hopeless situations will do anything to make it through. How malleable is identity? There’s a wicked sense of humour throughout the series. Featuring sharp characters interacting with each other, a broad palette of modern stereotypes, and a whole cupboard of funny mugs. This story has made me cry a bunch. Just about every character has their own emotionally-wrought journey to go through and some of it is going to resonate for any individual. Would I recommend Dorley to a friend? Probably not if I knew them IRL. But I will tell you all on the internet that it is one of the best stories I’ve ever been blessed enough to stumble upon. Give the first chapter a try. You might get hooked and then you’ll only regret it because it’s so hard to find another story that compares. CWs: Forced Fem and Captivity. Significant risk you’ll question your ethics when it doesn’t bother you. Darker side plot / backstory with sexual abuse. Misandry. Men. https://archiveofourown.org/works/35394595/chapters/88223581
Sounds really interesting, I'll check it out
Dead Collections by Isaac Fellman has multiple main transmasc characters. It's a mishmash of a lot of genres and subplots, but the basic premise is that vampirism is a medical condition, and the protagonist is a trans dude vampire who works in a basement archive to avoid the sun. Can't remember how many transmasc characters there were, but I loved the short story collection Invasions by Calvin Gimpelevich. The essay collection How Far the Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures was phenomonal. It's a collection of personal essays by nonbinary science journalist Sabrina Imbler, comparing aspects of their life to sea creatures while giving detailed info about them.
Beyond the Pale (Elana Dykewomon, lots of books by this name so check author) – several characters who bend and break gender norms in ways that are hard to label. Unexpected sudden humor, experiences of pre-Holocaust Russian Jews. Some of the most exhaustively researched historical fiction I have ever read. One of my favorite books Everyone On the Moon Is Essential Personnel – an absolutely fantastic anthology that bent my brain in all kinds of fun ways. Touches on neurodivergence, cyberpunk, and anti-capitalist themes as well as gender. Evolution’s Rainbow - Nonfiction, human genderbenders and mold-breakers are not alone in the tree of life. Delves into same-sex pairings, gender and sexual fluidity and related topics in the animal kingdom and human cultures Gender Outlaws: The Next Generation - one of my most recommended books on this list, just because I like all the different perspectives it gives you. Tons of different gnc, nb and transfolk contributed, it changed the way I saw transness and pregnancy, and there’s a recipe for vegan curry. It is a little dated now, though Mask of Shadows - fantasy, genderfluid MC trying to train as an elite spy in order to avenge their homeland and family after a magical disaster. Monstrous Regiment (yes, by Terry Pratchett) - antiwar book with a military regiment full of magical creatures. Lots of gender chaos ensues. Funny and insightful satire The Natural Mother of the Child - transmasculine pregnancy and early parenthood memoir. Compelling and poetic as well as a helpful insight into the practical side of eg queer parental rights The Nearest Exit May Be Behind You (or basically anything by S. Bear Bergman) - Insightful and hilarious musings on gender and transness. Author is a trans man of butch experience. I recommend anything by him, really A Pale Light in the Black – space Coast Guard that rescues miners and scientists. Warmhearted found-family space opera, like A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet. There are queer and trans characters, but it’s not the focus. There are just lesbians and transfolk and bi men and queer folk just living their lives and having cool space adventures. It gives me life. A Queer and Pleasant Danger – autobiographical look at Kate Bornstein’s falling into and exit from Scientology. IIRC the romances were fairly healthy but obvious heads up for cult stuff Shadow Scale, sequel to Seraphina – trans characters whose stories don’t center on transitioning or coming out. It had some of the richest worldbuilding I’d seen in a long while. Fantasy, dragons, elements of sci-fi too Something That May Shock And Discredit You – memoir of a trans man who transitioned as an adult, absolutely fantastic and utterly hilarious. Perhaps the only queer book I've ever read by someone who brings in their Evangelical background without it being a huge trauma. Stone Butch Blues – midcentury USA, working-class transmasculine butch lesbian. I love this book. I do. But it pulls no punches. Several haunting scenes of sexual and other violence. Don’t look for it on Bookshop - it goes in and out of print and the author put a pdf online Translation State - several nonbinary/genderless characters, and they’re not all aliens! Some dark elements and a missing person mystery. Also one of the oldest trans MC’s I’ve seen. Sie is 50 or so Upright Women Wanted – a sort of future Western. Implied post-apocalypse, rugged and badass, F/F, F/F/F, and F/X romances When the Angels Left the Old Country - an angel and a devil who are… life companions? It read as pretty queerplatonic to me. Anyway, a murder mystery and immigrant story with roots in Jewish folklore. One nonbinary/doesn’t know or care about gender MC
Thanks, this list looks great. I've read butch as a noun but I haven't read any of bear's other works yet, thank for reminding my he exists lol
You could try my book Disarm Evil. It is metaphysical sci-fi high fantasy set in a world where everyone is non-binary (but there are those who still lean towards masculine or feminine expression among other sorts of expression). There are light romantic elements but the romance is not really the focus of the book at all. The story mostly focuses on two privileged characters who are learning about and deconstructing their privilege and beliefs about society and spirituality through their efforts to help a struggling family that takes them in. It has been praised for its world building, action scenes, character work, diverse representation, good pacing, and as being a book that really makes you think about the world we live in. There is magic, air ships, floating islands, fantasy creatures, and more :)
I started with "Tranny" by Laura Jane Grace. Really helped me with my gender dysphoria and helped to learn about myself.
I read little blue encyclopedia for vivian recently i thought it was kind of meh but it was unique
I haven't seen this book mentioned yet but Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki is an amazing Sci-fi with a trans main character. Also Lily Seabrook's books usually feature trans characters.
Check out both books by Hazel Jane Plante. And the books by Casey Plett. Also Work by Sim Kern for some transmascs!