Review of Marc Marci

[Seetha E]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Marc Marci" by Larry G. Goldsmith.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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The evolution from Marc to Marci is explored in Larry G. Goldsmith's book Marc Marci. The narrative's structure stands on teenage insecurities, a series of disasters, friendships, periods of bewilderment, dealing with the physical and emotional components of transitioning, and social repercussions.

The McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University accepted Marc, a nerdy youngster, as a student. His achievement had pleased his parents. He is a quiet, socially uncomfortable student at school. Police lead him home from the football field, where he learns that his parents have perished in a tragic accident. The grief affected him in a way that altered his life.

Marc is welcomed into the family of Jack Lewin, his father's best friend, partner, and now Marc's guardian. Calls for comfort from his school counselor and other friends only add to his grief. He leaves Cleveland and takes a trip to Europe to clear his thoughts. In Europe, Gabrielle and Cristina, a happy lesbian couple, befriend him. He immediately feels at ease with them and spends time with them. They invite him to stay with them during his visit to London. They persuade him to cross-dress and set him up with a friend who has fetishes.

Marc appreciates the shift. Just when he believes he has found serenity in his new life as a lady, he finds himself a victim of the London bombings. Marc loses his manhood, and Gabrielle loses Cristina. It makes for an interesting read of what happens next on Marc's physical and emotional roller coaster. Will Hilda, who had previously saved Gabrielle, also assist Marc?

The characters of Uncle Jack, Cristina, Gabrielle, Hilda, and Fiora all play significant roles and add sufficient weight to the protagonist as he evolves from being Marc to being Marci. They served as his rock-solid foundation, lending him a hand in friendship and supporting him. The social structures of Marc and Marci also provide a window into the difficulties of transition. The writing was simple and engaging, and I enjoyed it.

The physical adjustment has me particularly tense with pre- and post-surgery details. The plot did, however, demonstrate a somewhat smooth transition, which is not often the case. In my opinion, it understated the difficulties people in such situations encounter. The lengthy details regarding Jewish customs added little to the subject matter other than to illustrate Marci's adherence to her obligations as a Jewish lady.

In the same situation, no two people ever feel the same degree of happiness or hopelessness. Because Marc's responses to challenges are entirely personal to him, no one can evaluate them. Though their character development revealed them to be strong, honorable people, Gabrielle and Marc took a stance with which I did not quite agree. After reading the book, each reader is absolutely free to form their own judgment.

With explicit sexual references, this book is strictly for adults who do not mind them. This book is also for those in doubt about their own sexuality. It will also prove helpful for those in close proximity to people dealing with trauma or self-doubt. It will help put things into perspective. I did find several errors. Although they do not disturb the reader's flow, I recommend a re-edit. With a book that is not error-free and the fact that the end did not match the characterization, I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

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Marc Marci
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[RJ Reviews]

I loved this book for its unexpected twists, well thought-out plot and believable characters. I could relate to the struggles of both Marc and Marci. This was a very interesting read. I wholeheartedly agree with your rating and the review tells us everything that is there to know about the book without any spoilers. Congrats.

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Marc Marci" by Larry G. Goldsmith.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Share This Review

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The evolution from Marc to Marci is explored in Larry G. Goldsmith's book Marc Marci. The narrative's structure stands on teenage insecurities, a series of disasters, friendships, periods of bewilderment, dealing with the physical and emotional components of transitioning, and social repercussions.

The McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University accepted Marc, a nerdy youngster, as a student. His achievement had pleased his parents. He is a quiet, socially uncomfortable student at school. Police lead him home from the football field, where he learns that his parents have perished in a tragic accident. The grief affected him in a way that altered his life.

Marc is welcomed into the family of Jack Lewin, his father's best friend, partner, and now Marc's guardian. Calls for comfort from his school counselor and other friends only add to his grief. He leaves Cleveland and takes a trip to Europe to clear his thoughts. In Europe, Gabrielle and Cristina, a happy lesbian couple, befriend him. He immediately feels at ease with them and spends time with them. They invite him to stay with them during his visit to London. They persuade him to cross-dress and set him up with a friend who has fetishes.

Marc appreciates the shift. Just when he believes he has found serenity in his new life as a lady, he finds himself a victim of the London bombings. Marc loses his manhood, and Gabrielle loses Cristina. It makes for an interesting read of what happens next on Marc's physical and emotional roller coaster. Will Hilda, who had previously saved Gabrielle, also assist Marc?

The characters of Uncle Jack, Cristina, Gabrielle, Hilda, and Fiora all play significant roles and add sufficient weight to the protagonist as he evolves from being Marc to being Marci. They served as his rock-solid foundation, lending him a hand in friendship and supporting him. The social structures of Marc and Marci also provide a window into the difficulties of transition. The writing was simple and engaging, and I enjoyed it.

The physical adjustment has me particularly tense with pre- and post-surgery details. The plot did, however, demonstrate a somewhat smooth transition, which is not often the case. In my opinion, it understated the difficulties people in such situations encounter. The lengthy details regarding Jewish customs added little to the subject matter other than to illustrate Marci's adherence to her obligations as a Jewish lady.

In the same situation, no two people ever feel the same degree of happiness or hopelessness. Because Marc's responses to challenges are entirely personal to him, no one can evaluate them. Though their character development revealed them to be strong, honorable people, Gabrielle and Marc took a stance with which I did not quite agree. After reading the book, each reader is absolutely free to form their own judgment.

With explicit sexual references, this book is strictly for adults who do not mind them. This book is also for those in doubt about their own sexuality. It will also prove helpful for those in close proximity to people dealing with trauma or self-doubt. It will help put things into perspective. I did find several errors. Although they do not disturb the reader's flow, I recommend a re-edit. With a book that is not error-free and the fact that the end did not match the characterization, I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

******
Marc Marci
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Alas, I don't relate to works that explore teenage drama. But I can tell that readers who like webs of characters and character-driven stories might enjoy it.

[Anu Anand]

This review really helped me get a sense of the emotional depth and layers in the story. It seems like a bold and thoughtful book that touches on identity, grief, and transformation. I liked how you pointed out both the strong points and what could be better. Thanks for sharing your take! @Seetha E