This is not a book review. That’s because the copy of Foz Meadows’ debut novel, An Accident of Stars, that I received was very much an Advance Reading Copy. So advance, in fact, that it still had bits of chat between the author and editor embedded in it. I’m guessing that this happened because there was an issue with NetGalley and the lovely folks at Angry Robot kindly sent me something they had to hand instead.

Anyway, I’m not going to assume that what I read was final, but it was still a complete book. I won’t pass judgement on quality because it may change somewhat before it reaches the shops, but I do want to comment on trans representation.

The non-spoilery version is that I think that Foz has done a great job. If you are very allergic to spoilers then stop reading now.

The spoliery version is that one of the characters in the book is revealed to be trans part way through, and after she has begun what looks like growing into a lesbian relationship with another character.

Reveals are always difficult, but Foz manages hers with a minimum of fuss. There’s no drama attached to it. No sudden changes of attitude by other characters because a “deception” has been revealed. In fact most of the characters knew all along, but didn’t think it was their place to mention it. And the one who didn’t know takes it totally in her stride. This is a book in which being trans is not an issue.

As for sexuality, damned if you do and damned if you don’t. If trans women fancy girls then it is taken as proof that we are “really” men, and if we fancy boys then a lot of people think we are “not queer enough”, or only doing it to keep the doctors happy. By having the two characters develop an attraction for each other, and then reveal that one is trans, and then have that be no big deal, Foz is very clearly demonstrating that they are both women, and that’s fine with everyone. Nice job.