John Boyne's new book 'My brother's name is Jessica'.

[Helmetbymidnight]

John Boyne (author of boy in the striped pajamas) is bringing out a book called My brother's name is Jessica, and this is simply not acceptable, apparently.

He's written an article here:

www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/john-boyne-why-i-support-trans-rights-but-reject-the-word-cis-1.3843005?fbclid=IwAR0WqWp2a3dIu-4pxDKS7k9XQO5lZR4PCKh_AFhAeTRoZMm0TmuiCBvoUjQ

Doc and co are going nuts at him. Not as nuts as they would if it was written by a straight woman, I imagine, but even so.

It's about time the world of books got stuck into this debate. They've been very slow on this one.

He is literally the poster boy for Wokus Dei.

oops missed an "e" !!!!

Wokeus Dei

”Told you he'd cling onto the fairy tale he's told himself about the "trans community" rather than even start to consider the views of women.”

”His only beef is that people were mean to him.”

Yup. And because he’s so desperate to cling on to his warm fuzzies about the so-called trans community, he’s abandoning his online contact with his fellow authors and the help he gave to new authors.

How much do you have to lose before you begin to question why it’s been taken from you?

And when do you begin to wonder whether perhaps those who are objecting might have realised that this whole ideology is all about taking things from other people?

You know, I value Glinner more and more. A few other comedy writers have engaged, but it’s not been important enough to them to stick at it.

The Waterstone’s date is still being advertised. It’ll be interesting to see if it goes ahead.

twitter.com/waterstonespicc/status/1113761535220957184?s=21

By the way, this is one of the organisations with whom John Boyne worked when researching his book. No wonder he was so confused by its reception...

Oh John. Now you are in the national newspaper calling your trans twitter detractors trolls. They are not going to like that at all. They are all 100% right and you are completely wrong but instead of begging for their forgiveness you have called them trolls.

This is getting funnier by the moment.

he’s so desperate to cling on to his warm fuzzies

What other choice does he have now? Because the other option is to say, "Yes, women - these are the people I think should have unfettered access to all your private spaces. Yes, parents - these are the people I think should command both the education and the healthcare of your children."

We see you, John. And we see the choice you've made.

Is anyone close to that waterstones and could pop in tomorrow?

Might be interesting

I’m wondering if some of the climate protesters may take a break in their protesting up the road and mosey over for a trans protest. It looked like they may be some crossover when I wandered by this morning.

Its a shame the picture is black and white....otherwise you might be able to glean the answer depending on the colours worn

Hmmmm I see what you mean Rufus, not even some hoop earrings or a shiny gold lame pocket book to help us out...

Exactly terry

I though that was what we were going on now

Indeed Rufus, it really is too confusing...

Love The Wasp Factory.

And loathe

Article in The Independent now as well: www.independent.co.uk/life-style/john-boyne-twitter-trans-novel-jessica-cis-controversy-a8872766.html

One review on Amazon. I tried to leave another but it won't let me as not released yet. How has the TA got round that ?

I am rolling my eyes so hard at that 'review'.

Looks like his latest career move may have backfired somewhat.

We all know how this has to end. John will be picking out wigs by next week.

John Boyne quote from the Independent “For the record, I do not believe that the trans community bears any relationship to, or any responsibility for, the actions of online trolls."

Well, glory be. Too late John boy. You've burned your boats now, well and truly.

Come and join the grown ups, there's no going back once you upset the world's most important less than 1% you know.

He will have "cis man" branded on his head at the very least.

But where WAS this supportive trans community? Where are all the transwomen saying it's fine not to call yourself cis?

I just bought The Heart's Invisible Furies after reading some amazing reviews.

Now I really hope John sticks to his guns and doesn't do a showtrial-style recantation.

The male author's ego versus TRA narcissism. Who's going to win out?

I just bought The Heart's Invisible Furies after reading some amazing reviews.

It's really very good. It's long, but it reads very quickly and it's really engaging.

Also A Ladder to the Sky. Also great.

the hearts invisible furies is brilliant. i hadnt wanted to read it because of the striped pajamas but im glad i did.

people i know are divided on johns take - he should call himself cis because its just white to black, and he absolutely has to be sensitive to the most marginalised and oppressed group ever otherwise marginalised group will be assaulted and murdered even faster than they already are.

“One review on Amazon. I tried to leave another but it won't let me as not released yet. How has the TA got round that ?”

The review is on the American site: amazon.com. It’s linked to the UK site though, personally, I don’t think it should be.
The review itself is a complete abuse of the feedback system.

Yes, funny how the T in LGBT demands perfect allyship according to their terms from LGB folks and feminists but I never see trans activists standing up for LGB folks or women’s reproductive rights. It’s almost as if the movement is one driven by rampant narcissism and - dare I say it? - male entitlement.

But yes, John, you’re right. I’m sure they are in fact decent, kind people and will be speaking up for your right to free speech any day now...