Samantha Allen’s at sometimes flippant biography is perfectly represented by the title as the serious experiences of her journey is mixed with entertaining anecdotes, unexpected observations, and blunt satire. It is not going to be for everyone especially if you are a little squeamish or precious about specific topics. However, the levity is refreshing if you’re like me and am somewhere in your own journey often struggling with dysphoria, the frustration at trying to learn new skills or the uneasiness that is now most social interactions. The satire and method of delivery help to highlight the ridiculousness present in some of these awkward moments and that sometimes laughter might be the best answer. Personally, this is not the sort of book that I’d normally read but listening to Allen narrate her own story on Audible gave if an authenticity that made the comedy work as I doubt, I wouldn’t have preserved without that clear personality coming through.

Structure

In terms of a memoir Samantha’s story is traditional as she goes through several childhood memories when she had glimpses of her true self and reflects on the feelings these events triggered. She then goes onto explore the attempts to suppress the uncertainty through a recommitment to her Mormon faith. The specifics of her journey at times are not relatable for everyone however the attempt to suppress ourselves out of concern for the wider repercussions is all too common for many trans people accepting themselves as an adult. This is the benefit of reading these journeys as it is possible to see the similarities amongst the differences that can one provide us with hope for our path but also provide us with much needed validation.

Comedic elements

I said Allen’s memoir was traditional because there is a clear liner progression which culminates with key milestones in her transition however this account is broken up by reflections on an element of trans life. The most entertaining but equally random example of this is Allen’s rant about hovering in the female toilets. This tangent, which is referenced again later, seems like a release from more dense retelling of Samantha’s story while highlighting the nature of a trans women’s experience as she enters the mystery world of the female toilets. These reflections are enlightening for someone yet to venture into this frustratingly increasingly politicalized space and are entertaining even if at times it distracts from the overall memoir.  

Overall, M to (WT)F is an entertaining take on trans experience which sometimes struggles for the balance of comedy and seriousness. This in turn highlights that the trans community is colourful, humorous and unlike public perception some group of precious individuals that take offense at everything unnecessarily.

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Read some of my other LGBTQIA book reviews on Love lives Here and All about Yves