Variations

Variations is the debut short story collection from Juliet Jacques, exploring the history of transgender Britain with lyrical, acerbic wit. It includes diary entries, an oral history, a 1920s academic paper, a 1950s memoir, and 2014 blog posts, rewriting and reinvigorating a history often relegated to stale police records and sensationalist news headlines.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 17 June 2021
Publisher: Influx Press

Variations, the captivating debut short story collection from Juliet Jacques, emerges as a remarkable testament to one of Britain's most compelling voices. With a blend of fiction inspired by found material and real-life events, Jacques delves into the rich tapestry of transgender Britain, employing her lyrical, acerbic wit to explore the historical nuances of this marginalized community.

Spanning a diverse range of locations and eras, Variations takes readers on a captivating journey from the vibrant streets of Oscar Wilde's London to the austere landscapes of Belfast during the era of austerity. The story unfolds through inter-war Cardiff, a bustling drag bar in Liverpool just after the decriminalization of homosexuality, the tumultuous protests against Clause 28 in Manchester, and the vibrant atmosphere of Brighton in the 2000s.

Through a series of diverse narrative forms, Jacques rewrites and reinvigorates the history of transgender Britain, challenging the conventional narratives that have often relegated this community to stale police records and sensationalist news headlines. The collection includes diary entries of an illicit love affair, an oral history of a contemporary political collective, a 1920s academic paper transformed into a 1990s film script, a 1950s memoir interspersed with a series of 2014 blog posts, and more.

What sets Variations apart is its innovative and fresh approach to storytelling. Jacques skillfully weaves together a tapestry of voices and perspectives, creating a rich and multi-dimensional narrative that resonates with readers on a profound level. Each story is a testament to the resilience and determination of the transgender community, showcasing their struggles, triumphs, and the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance.

With its bold and beautiful writing, Variations is a testament to Juliet Jacques's talent as a writer and her commitment to exploring the complexities of identity and society. This book of stories unheard until now offers a fresh perspective on a community that has often been marginalized and misunderstood. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to broaden their understanding of the world and the diverse experiences of marginalized communities.

Weight: 314g
Dimension: 130 x 199 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910312773