detransitionbaby 00ae9

Torrey Peters’ “Detransition, Baby” Is A Stunning, Compelling Debut

by BUST Magazine

Reese, a whip-smart 30-something trans woman living in Brooklyn, wasn’t always so disillusioned. At one point, she lived in a beautiful apartment right by Prospect Park
with her girlfriend, Amy—also a trans woman—and dreamed of motherhood. But ever since a traumatic incident compelled Amy to detransition and torpedoed their relationship, Reese has been trapped in a cycle of relationships with narcissistic (and married) men. Her world is thrown for a loop when her ex—now named Ames—comes back into her life with a shocking announcement: Katrina—the woman he’s been sleeping with, who knows nothing about Ames’ past—is pregnant. Reese still wants a baby. Katrina, a cis, heterosexual businesswoman, has some hang-ups about motherhood. And as for Ames? His anxieties and desires are complicated, but he knows he wants to be viewed as a parent, not a father. And with Reese in the picture, maybe he can be.

Author Torrey Peters explores family dynamics, queer parenting, gender, relationships, and womanhood in this debut novel brimming with humor, warmth, and complexity. Detransition, Baby is a rare book in which the story and writing are equally compelling. But what will stick with readers most are these three flawed, lovable, and deeply one-of-a-kind characters.

By Lydia Wang

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2021 print edition of BUST Magazine. Subscribe today!

More from BUST

Photographer, Author, And Podcaster IO Tillett Wright Tells His Trans Coming-Out Story, Unveils His New Book, And Opens Up About Testifying Against Johnny Depp On BUST’s “Poptarts” Podcast

Comedian And Writer Greg Mania Unpacks His New Memoir, “Born To Be Public”: BUST Interview

Malala Yousafzai Is Leading A Feminist Book Club And You Should Join

You may also like

Get the print magazine.

The best of BUST in your inbox!

Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter

About Us

Founded in 1993, BUST is the inclusive feminist lifestyle trailblazer offering a unique mix of humor, female-focused entertainment, uncensored personal stories, and candid reporting that tells the truth about women’s lives.

©2023 Street Media LLC.  All Right Reserved.