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The Green Indian Problem
Set in the valleys of South Wales at the tail end of Thatcher’s Britain, The Green Indian Problem is the story of Green, a seven year-old with intelligence beyond his years – an ordinary boy with an extraordinary problem: everyone thinks he’s a girl.
Green sets out to try and solve the mystery of his identity, but other issues keep cropping up – God, Father Christmas, cancer – and one day his best friend goes missing, leaving a rift in the community and even more unanswered questions. Dealing with deep themes of friendship, identity, child abuse and grief, The Green Indian Problem is, at heart, an all-too-real story of a young boy trying to find out why he’s not like the other boys in his class.
Longlisted for the Bridport Prize (in the Peggy Chapman-Andrews category)
Green sets out to try and solve the mystery of his identity, but other issues keep cropping up – God, Father Christmas, cancer – and one day his best friend goes missing, leaving a rift in the community and even more unanswered questions. Dealing with deep themes of friendship, identity, child abuse and grief, The Green Indian Problem is, at heart, an all-too-real story of a young boy trying to find out why he’s not like the other boys in his class.
Longlisted for the Bridport Prize (in the Peggy Chapman-Andrews category)
208 pages, Paperback
Published March 30, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 5, 2022
This is unlike anything I've ever read in the best possible way.
Green is a fabulous character and the book being told from his perspective makes that even more known. He is definitely wise beyond his years, and how he soaks up events, situations- and phrases is endearing and makes it even more powerful coming from a 7-8yr old boy.
Being a nineties child myself, its hard to imagine how gender identity would have been handled in the 80s/early 90s but I can make a fair guess. Whilst things are improving all the time (and this is a reminder of the positive steps happened since) its also a reminder that there is much more to do. Its handled in this book absolutely brilliantly.
This focuses on some very tricky subject matters on top of the gender conflict. Loss, grief, and domestic violence all feature, and told from innocent eyes makes it all the more poignant. Hats off to the author for tackling these subjects with such humility and ingenuity.
There are two things that make me smile in particular this read. Firstly its set in the Welsh valleys! The coal mining situation is topical, and the welsh lifestyle comes to life in its terraced housing and village gossip. Great to see Wales represented. Secondly, is the use of colour in this book. Green often describes scenarios or people as different colours. Things that are bad are often described as black or grey whereas happiness is pink, or lighter colours. Green himself changes his name from Jade as part of the identity finding.
This one will stay with me.
Green is a fabulous character and the book being told from his perspective makes that even more known. He is definitely wise beyond his years, and how he soaks up events, situations- and phrases is endearing and makes it even more powerful coming from a 7-8yr old boy.
Being a nineties child myself, its hard to imagine how gender identity would have been handled in the 80s/early 90s but I can make a fair guess. Whilst things are improving all the time (and this is a reminder of the positive steps happened since) its also a reminder that there is much more to do. Its handled in this book absolutely brilliantly.
This focuses on some very tricky subject matters on top of the gender conflict. Loss, grief, and domestic violence all feature, and told from innocent eyes makes it all the more poignant. Hats off to the author for tackling these subjects with such humility and ingenuity.
There are two things that make me smile in particular this read. Firstly its set in the Welsh valleys! The coal mining situation is topical, and the welsh lifestyle comes to life in its terraced housing and village gossip. Great to see Wales represented. Secondly, is the use of colour in this book. Green often describes scenarios or people as different colours. Things that are bad are often described as black or grey whereas happiness is pink, or lighter colours. Green himself changes his name from Jade as part of the identity finding.
This one will stay with me.
March 16, 2022
Today is my spot on the blogtour for 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗕𝗟𝗘𝗠 by Jade Leaf Willets. Thank you to Renard Press for having me along, and for sending me an advanced readers copy of the book.
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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱. 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀. 𝗜 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 ... 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗿𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗸𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗜'𝗺 𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹. 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹, 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵. 𝗜 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜'𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱
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The Green Indian Problem is narrated from a child's point of view, and includes some big, hard-hitting topics, but in a way that feels genuine.
Green (birth name Jade) is a young boy who is trying to make sense of his identity, trying to understand why his inside feelings don't match his outside physical body, and trying to fit in and feel like a normal and 'real' boy.
At times, Green's inner monologue and written accounts are heartbreaking, and they reinforce just what feeling unaccepted can do to a child, and how much it can damage their mental health and wellbeing to not be accepted for who they are.
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• 𝗠𝘆 𝗺𝘂𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗮𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹, 𝘀𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴, 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻.
• 𝗚𝗼𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗺𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲.
• 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝘁𝗼𝘆 𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗴𝗼 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗯𝗶𝗻.
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Green is such a beautiful character, simultaneously full of child-like humour in trying to understand the world (how does Father Christmas really get around) and full of innocence, simplistically trying to make sense of some sad aspects of life, like losing loved ones, being poor, and finding friendship with other people who don't 'fit in'.
It also portrays domestic violence between and mental health in adults realistically, from the perspective of a child's experience. And growing up as a very young child in this situation, it did transport me back to those awful moments in my own childhood, and I felt so strongly for Green.
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𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿. 𝗜 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲, 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿.
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Green's relationship with his Grandparents is beautifully woven into the story, especially his love for his Grandad, who hasn't worked since he left the army (seemingly due to PTSD), and who Green knows is very clever, but who also seems a bit eccentric.
For a lot of children growing up in a home where mental health issues and domestic violence are 'the norm', a grandparents' home can often feel like a safe haven, even if you do trick your grandad into letting you watch Dracula, and get terrified by it.
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𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗜 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗮 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘀. 𝗛𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 '𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁' ... 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝘁, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗱 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀. 𝗜 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝘇𝘇𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆.
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The book also brings up questions that are often hotly debated, such as the gendering of toys, and of clothes, and the socialisation and expectations that are pushed onto 'boys' and 'girls' with no room for nuance.
Eventually, Green's Mum does recognise him as his true gender, and stops forcing him to wear 'girl's' clothes. And it's good to know that these days a lot of workplaces and schools have done away with gendered dress code policies, which is definitely a move in the right direction.
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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗯𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿. 𝗜 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝘅 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗜 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁. 𝗜 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗺𝘆𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝘁, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻'𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁, 𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱. 𝗜𝗳 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹, 𝗜 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝗯.
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I'm not going to give any spoilers here, but the conclusion of The Green Indian Problem was such a heartbreaking but important element of the story.
The story overall does include elements such as class disparity, poverty, addiction, neglect and child abuse, but it is not all doom and gloom.
Green brings a wonderful, child-like humour to the story. His outlook for the most part feels hopeful, and as though every day is a new, fresh start.
I would love to know how much of Green is inspired by the author's own childhood and experiences, as it feels like Green's experience is very realistic, though of course very personal too.
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𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗮𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲, 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗮 𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲. 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱, 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘁, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝘆. 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲.
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I would highly recommend The Green Indian Problem to all readers, especially those who were fans of Emma Donoghue's Room, but I would just recommend for readers who have sensitivities to check the website Book Trigger Warnings first.
I am glad to know that Jade Leaf Willets is currently writing another book, and will definitely be reading it whenever it is available.
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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱. 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀. 𝗜 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 ... 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗿𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗸𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗜'𝗺 𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹. 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹, 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵. 𝗜 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜'𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱
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The Green Indian Problem is narrated from a child's point of view, and includes some big, hard-hitting topics, but in a way that feels genuine.
Green (birth name Jade) is a young boy who is trying to make sense of his identity, trying to understand why his inside feelings don't match his outside physical body, and trying to fit in and feel like a normal and 'real' boy.
At times, Green's inner monologue and written accounts are heartbreaking, and they reinforce just what feeling unaccepted can do to a child, and how much it can damage their mental health and wellbeing to not be accepted for who they are.
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• 𝗠𝘆 𝗺𝘂𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗮𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹, 𝘀𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴, 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻.
• 𝗚𝗼𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗺𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲.
• 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝘁𝗼𝘆 𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗴𝗼 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗯𝗶𝗻.
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Green is such a beautiful character, simultaneously full of child-like humour in trying to understand the world (how does Father Christmas really get around) and full of innocence, simplistically trying to make sense of some sad aspects of life, like losing loved ones, being poor, and finding friendship with other people who don't 'fit in'.
It also portrays domestic violence between and mental health in adults realistically, from the perspective of a child's experience. And growing up as a very young child in this situation, it did transport me back to those awful moments in my own childhood, and I felt so strongly for Green.
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𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿. 𝗜 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲, 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿.
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Green's relationship with his Grandparents is beautifully woven into the story, especially his love for his Grandad, who hasn't worked since he left the army (seemingly due to PTSD), and who Green knows is very clever, but who also seems a bit eccentric.
For a lot of children growing up in a home where mental health issues and domestic violence are 'the norm', a grandparents' home can often feel like a safe haven, even if you do trick your grandad into letting you watch Dracula, and get terrified by it.
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𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗜 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗮 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘀. 𝗛𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 '𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁' ... 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝘁, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗱 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀. 𝗜 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝘇𝘇𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆.
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The book also brings up questions that are often hotly debated, such as the gendering of toys, and of clothes, and the socialisation and expectations that are pushed onto 'boys' and 'girls' with no room for nuance.
Eventually, Green's Mum does recognise him as his true gender, and stops forcing him to wear 'girl's' clothes. And it's good to know that these days a lot of workplaces and schools have done away with gendered dress code policies, which is definitely a move in the right direction.
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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗯𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿. 𝗜 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝘅 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗜 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁. 𝗜 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗺𝘆𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝘁, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻'𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁, 𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱. 𝗜𝗳 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹, 𝗜 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝗯.
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I'm not going to give any spoilers here, but the conclusion of The Green Indian Problem was such a heartbreaking but important element of the story.
The story overall does include elements such as class disparity, poverty, addiction, neglect and child abuse, but it is not all doom and gloom.
Green brings a wonderful, child-like humour to the story. His outlook for the most part feels hopeful, and as though every day is a new, fresh start.
I would love to know how much of Green is inspired by the author's own childhood and experiences, as it feels like Green's experience is very realistic, though of course very personal too.
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𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗮𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲, 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗮 𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲. 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱, 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘁, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝘆. 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲.
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I would highly recommend The Green Indian Problem to all readers, especially those who were fans of Emma Donoghue's Room, but I would just recommend for readers who have sensitivities to check the website Book Trigger Warnings first.
I am glad to know that Jade Leaf Willets is currently writing another book, and will definitely be reading it whenever it is available.
March 13, 2022
The story begins in 1989, giving us an introduction to the character and his background.
I loved how it was told from his POV as we get to see all of his thoughts, feelings and opinions. He talks about his school and his fellow class mates who he has to try to explain to why he has long hair and wears a skirt and how he feels about this. We learn about the difficult relationship he has with his mother’s boyfriend, been picked on for not wearing brand name clothing and his childhood friendships as well as his relationships with his family.
It also touches upon different topics like the different countries, his favourite colour Green and what it means to him, trying to learn how to swim, his favourite films, Margaret Thatcher, God and much more.
The story deals with a lot of delicate subjects. He also talks about finding out he can’t marry his cousin, his feelings on dealing with a guy who is abusing his mother and bullies to stealing to what it means to lose loved ones. The story also touches slightly upon pedophilia too.
But the main focus of the story is how he dealt with figuring out the truth about himself as well as the difficulties and confusion that he is faced with. I felt his character had dealt with a lot.
This is a touching and poignant coming of age story that has some light hearted moments throughout too. This is for anyone who has had trouble fitting in at school or have struggled with their identity, have watched loved ones suffer or dealt with loss.
I loved how it was told from his POV as we get to see all of his thoughts, feelings and opinions. He talks about his school and his fellow class mates who he has to try to explain to why he has long hair and wears a skirt and how he feels about this. We learn about the difficult relationship he has with his mother’s boyfriend, been picked on for not wearing brand name clothing and his childhood friendships as well as his relationships with his family.
It also touches upon different topics like the different countries, his favourite colour Green and what it means to him, trying to learn how to swim, his favourite films, Margaret Thatcher, God and much more.
The story deals with a lot of delicate subjects. He also talks about finding out he can’t marry his cousin, his feelings on dealing with a guy who is abusing his mother and bullies to stealing to what it means to lose loved ones. The story also touches slightly upon pedophilia too.
But the main focus of the story is how he dealt with figuring out the truth about himself as well as the difficulties and confusion that he is faced with. I felt his character had dealt with a lot.
This is a touching and poignant coming of age story that has some light hearted moments throughout too. This is for anyone who has had trouble fitting in at school or have struggled with their identity, have watched loved ones suffer or dealt with loss.
March 23, 2022
Don't you just love it when you discover a character that you take to your heart immediately?! That is what happened when I started reading the story of Green - a 7 year old boy who is very very smart, but disappointed by those around him who think he's a girl! He just wants to discover who he is and that isn't easy when society keeps pushing you in a direction where you don't feel comfortable.
Green is a switched on little boy, and a typical kid who questions everything. He wants answers and he isn't afraid to ask questions. His parents live apart and he has a strong dislike for Dennis, the boyfriend of his mum as he sees the way he treats her and knows it is very wrong.
While Green is dealing with home issues, he's also dealing with pressures at school and all that society throws his way expecting him to be someone he isn't. Set amongst the backdrop of the 80's, I loved all the retro references and it really sets the scene perfectly. And anyone who loves Ghostbusters is fine by me!!
When his best friend from school goes missing, Green is plunged into a dark time in his life where he just wants to find out the truth of what happened and uses his inquisitive mind to good use to get some answers and you just can't help but be swept along with the gusto of this gutsy little boy who just wants to be himself and be accepted.
This was just an utter delight to read and really made you feel so protective towards Green. He sees the world in very simple terms and makes you wish that more people could see things his way!! Wonderful!
Green is a switched on little boy, and a typical kid who questions everything. He wants answers and he isn't afraid to ask questions. His parents live apart and he has a strong dislike for Dennis, the boyfriend of his mum as he sees the way he treats her and knows it is very wrong.
While Green is dealing with home issues, he's also dealing with pressures at school and all that society throws his way expecting him to be someone he isn't. Set amongst the backdrop of the 80's, I loved all the retro references and it really sets the scene perfectly. And anyone who loves Ghostbusters is fine by me!!
When his best friend from school goes missing, Green is plunged into a dark time in his life where he just wants to find out the truth of what happened and uses his inquisitive mind to good use to get some answers and you just can't help but be swept along with the gusto of this gutsy little boy who just wants to be himself and be accepted.
This was just an utter delight to read and really made you feel so protective towards Green. He sees the world in very simple terms and makes you wish that more people could see things his way!! Wonderful!
April 3, 2023
I liked a lot about this. The author and I live in the same ridiculous, small Welsh valley village, which means they definitely understand the pain of the local Chinese not being open on a Monday or a Tuesday, and this makes us kin.
I really enjoyed the narrative voice in this one. Green feels believably 7 or 8; I was reminded of Sara Gethin's Not Thomas in parts. I thought the way his gender was conveyed was great, and how Green can tell there's something about him that's different to the other boys, but can't work out why everyone calls him a girl. It felt like a very believable way for a young child to think about himself, unencumbered with the burden of gender as adults are taught to view it. If the whole book had been about this, I'd have loved it.
I did, however, really think it lost its way in the last 30 pages. The introduction of a new mystery, the disappearance of Green's best friend (not a spoiler, it's literally on the back cover) so close to the end made the book lose focus, and the way this mystery was resolved was just a bit ridiculous and unbelievable. Contrasted with the realism of the rest of the book, it really jarred. I understand what the book was saying about solvable mysteries vs unsolvable ones, but using Green's friend in this way to make a point about Green's own identity left quite a bad taste, in all honesty.
Still, always nice to read about the sort of Welsh town you live in. Gangs of feral youths stealing bikes in the street? Yeah, mate, they smashed my bathroom window in last year. What can you do?
I really enjoyed the narrative voice in this one. Green feels believably 7 or 8; I was reminded of Sara Gethin's Not Thomas in parts. I thought the way his gender was conveyed was great, and how Green can tell there's something about him that's different to the other boys, but can't work out why everyone calls him a girl. It felt like a very believable way for a young child to think about himself, unencumbered with the burden of gender as adults are taught to view it. If the whole book had been about this, I'd have loved it.
I did, however, really think it lost its way in the last 30 pages. The introduction of a new mystery, the disappearance of Green's best friend (not a spoiler, it's literally on the back cover) so close to the end made the book lose focus, and the way this mystery was resolved was just a bit ridiculous and unbelievable. Contrasted with the realism of the rest of the book, it really jarred. I understand what the book was saying about solvable mysteries vs unsolvable ones, but using Green's friend in this way to make a point about Green's own identity left quite a bad taste, in all honesty.
Still, always nice to read about the sort of Welsh town you live in. Gangs of feral youths stealing bikes in the street? Yeah, mate, they smashed my bathroom window in last year. What can you do?
March 28, 2022
Green (Jade) Waters is a seven year old boy trapped in a girl’s body.
The Green Indian Problem is outstanding. It would be difficult for me to have loved this book more and it has gone straight on my list of books of the year.
Green is a phenomenal creation. Trapped inside a female shell is a boy whose seven and a half year old voice sings from the page with love, empathy and an honesty that is heart breaking. The language Green uses is relatively simple in keeping with his age, and is so completely authentic that I wanted to climb into the pages, buy him a new bike and hug him tightly. His views on everything from God to bullies are convincing, insightful and endearing.
I found all the characters in The Green Indian Problem simply brilliant. Even the most minor character is real and convincing. Set against a backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain, Green may not understand all the socio-political references, but he conveys them in a way that the adult reader understands instantly. This is such skilled and affecting writing.
Jade Leaf Willetts has a perfect insight into human relationships so that he presents the full spectrum from the darkest, abusive ones to the most unselfish loving ones. As a result, The Green Indian Problem might be a relatively brief narrative, but it is steeped in wisdom. It’s quite difficult to convey the emotional impact of Green’s narrative, but I’d defy any reader to encounter his life and remain unchanged by the events he describes and the life he lives.
Alongside the theme of sexual identity are many other concepts such as acceptance, domestic abuse, death, criminality, family, friendships, relationships, education, depression, and so on. These may seem negative but in The Green Indian Problem, Jade Leaf Willetts presents reality through Green’s eyes with such tenderness and perception that the book is actually uplifting and positive whilst remaining realistic.
It is quite had to review this book without revealing events and outcomes. Whatever you do, don’t let The Green Indian Problem be a book that slips under the radar. It is sublime in content, emotion, characterisation and the writing craft. I absolutely adored it. The Green Indian Problem is totally wonderful.
The Green Indian Problem is outstanding. It would be difficult for me to have loved this book more and it has gone straight on my list of books of the year.
Green is a phenomenal creation. Trapped inside a female shell is a boy whose seven and a half year old voice sings from the page with love, empathy and an honesty that is heart breaking. The language Green uses is relatively simple in keeping with his age, and is so completely authentic that I wanted to climb into the pages, buy him a new bike and hug him tightly. His views on everything from God to bullies are convincing, insightful and endearing.
I found all the characters in The Green Indian Problem simply brilliant. Even the most minor character is real and convincing. Set against a backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain, Green may not understand all the socio-political references, but he conveys them in a way that the adult reader understands instantly. This is such skilled and affecting writing.
Jade Leaf Willetts has a perfect insight into human relationships so that he presents the full spectrum from the darkest, abusive ones to the most unselfish loving ones. As a result, The Green Indian Problem might be a relatively brief narrative, but it is steeped in wisdom. It’s quite difficult to convey the emotional impact of Green’s narrative, but I’d defy any reader to encounter his life and remain unchanged by the events he describes and the life he lives.
Alongside the theme of sexual identity are many other concepts such as acceptance, domestic abuse, death, criminality, family, friendships, relationships, education, depression, and so on. These may seem negative but in The Green Indian Problem, Jade Leaf Willetts presents reality through Green’s eyes with such tenderness and perception that the book is actually uplifting and positive whilst remaining realistic.
It is quite had to review this book without revealing events and outcomes. Whatever you do, don’t let The Green Indian Problem be a book that slips under the radar. It is sublime in content, emotion, characterisation and the writing craft. I absolutely adored it. The Green Indian Problem is totally wonderful.
June 30, 2022
The Green Indian Problem did take me by surprise, it was the first time I read about about transgender attitudes in young child.
Meet Green, a boy who has the outer skin of a girl. The book takes the form of a diary of sorts and the reader experiences the frustrations Green has to go through: the fact that people buy him dolls and not cars. The dreaded skirt he has to wear and the exclusion he constantly has to go through.
The Green Indian problem does not only focus on Green’s problems though, it delves into topics such as sexual and physical abuse, the existence of God, the complexities of father Christmas and the difficulties of parental separation. Then in the last 30 pages there’s a mystery involving a disappearing neighbour.
If this does seem like too much, it isn’t. The trick lies within Green’s narrative voice. Naïve yet precocious without being irritating, I can guarantee that the reader will laugh at his observations and smile at his discoveries of this strange world we live in.
The Green Indian Problem is a hugely enjoyable book whose emotional resonance will affect the person reading it. At times it is fun and at times it is serious but it’s social message never gets lost: A poignant, insightful read.
Meet Green, a boy who has the outer skin of a girl. The book takes the form of a diary of sorts and the reader experiences the frustrations Green has to go through: the fact that people buy him dolls and not cars. The dreaded skirt he has to wear and the exclusion he constantly has to go through.
The Green Indian problem does not only focus on Green’s problems though, it delves into topics such as sexual and physical abuse, the existence of God, the complexities of father Christmas and the difficulties of parental separation. Then in the last 30 pages there’s a mystery involving a disappearing neighbour.
If this does seem like too much, it isn’t. The trick lies within Green’s narrative voice. Naïve yet precocious without being irritating, I can guarantee that the reader will laugh at his observations and smile at his discoveries of this strange world we live in.
The Green Indian Problem is a hugely enjoyable book whose emotional resonance will affect the person reading it. At times it is fun and at times it is serious but it’s social message never gets lost: A poignant, insightful read.
July 22, 2024
Very bloody good. As our narrator is a 7/8yo the writing is super accessible but what it conveys is by no means simplistic. We see their experiences of loss, bullying, gender dysphoria, acceptance, having a crush on Sigourney Weaver, and more in a wonderfully human way.
March 19, 2022
This is a moving and often times heartbreaking story that is told through the eyes of Green, who is 7 years old and trying to understand the world around him as well as himself. He is bright, keenly observant and inquisitive and he is faced with a number of mysteries; one of which is why everyone treats him as a girl, when he identifies as a boy.
Through a series of almost diary entries and pockets of thoughts from Green, we see the world through his young eyes; experiencing his confusion, sadness and loneliness that no one sees Green for who he is. As he tries to solve this mystery, his thoughts are interrupted with other ordinary life events and curiosities, like the existence of God versus science, how it is impossible for Father Christmas to reach every good child round the world delivering presents in one night. He is also navigating his home life and we see his hardships witnessing domestic abuse of his mum’s boyfriend Dennis as well as a tragic event that happens to his best friend Michael (message for trigger warnings).
While this book is incredibly sad, it is also filled with a lot of hope, humour and brimming with compassion. Green’s observations which are innocent, matter of fact and naturally naive at his young age are often times hilarious yet relatable and oh so honest. I felt very protective of Green who is extremely lovable and written so beautifully. I was grateful that he has such a loving and understanding mum.
The minute I picked this book up, it immediately reminded me of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, which I really enjoyed. If you are a fan of Mark Haddon’s novel, you will definitely enjoy this narrative and this voice. Highly recommend this unusually uplifting novel.
Through a series of almost diary entries and pockets of thoughts from Green, we see the world through his young eyes; experiencing his confusion, sadness and loneliness that no one sees Green for who he is. As he tries to solve this mystery, his thoughts are interrupted with other ordinary life events and curiosities, like the existence of God versus science, how it is impossible for Father Christmas to reach every good child round the world delivering presents in one night. He is also navigating his home life and we see his hardships witnessing domestic abuse of his mum’s boyfriend Dennis as well as a tragic event that happens to his best friend Michael (message for trigger warnings).
While this book is incredibly sad, it is also filled with a lot of hope, humour and brimming with compassion. Green’s observations which are innocent, matter of fact and naturally naive at his young age are often times hilarious yet relatable and oh so honest. I felt very protective of Green who is extremely lovable and written so beautifully. I was grateful that he has such a loving and understanding mum.
The minute I picked this book up, it immediately reminded me of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, which I really enjoyed. If you are a fan of Mark Haddon’s novel, you will definitely enjoy this narrative and this voice. Highly recommend this unusually uplifting novel.
March 24, 2022
If you want a story that pulls at your heart strings this is the book for you, I felt as though I wanted to protect Green, with everything that is going on with him and how he is feeling at such a young age. The story explores quite deep subjects that include identity and child abuse which made me really emotional. I just felt as though I wanted to jump into the book and save Green, I have never had a book made me feel like that before. I think Jade has written this book very well, and I look forward to more of Jade's books in the future. This book will stay with me for a very long time.
December 11, 2024
A seven-year-old boy has a problem: his body is that of a girl.
Jade, who calls himself 'Green' hates being treated like a girl. He is given dolls and made to have long hair and wear a skirt. He lives with his mother and half-sister and the dreadful Dennis who physically abuses Green's mum. He sometimes sees his unemployed Dad and two half-brothers and his religious Nan and ex-Army opera-loving Grandad, who is the only one who accepts him.
It is narrated in first-person diary-form by Green. The style uses short direct sentences which seem to be de rigueur for novels with child narrators. Concepts which might seem precocious given the age of the narrator are explained by recourse to a teacher or a dictionary, as in "Embarrassed is when you're sad and want to hide about something. Mrs R taught us that." (1989: Green)
Most of the first half of the book is spent on developing the characters and the situation. The main characters - Green and his mum - are complex, three-dimensional and hugely believable and the minor characters are also well-drawn and realistic. The setting confers, in huge dollops, further verisimilitude to the extent that I assumed (partly because the author's first name is that of the narrator) that I was reading meta-fiction.
This might also explain the plot. Nothing much happens in the first half of the book but the second half, particularly the fourth quarter, is packed with incident. This would be lopsided in novel but it can be inevitable in a fictionalised memoir. Unfortunately, it meant that the exciting events of the last few pages felt less plausible.
An important story, sensitively told.
Jade, who calls himself 'Green' hates being treated like a girl. He is given dolls and made to have long hair and wear a skirt. He lives with his mother and half-sister and the dreadful Dennis who physically abuses Green's mum. He sometimes sees his unemployed Dad and two half-brothers and his religious Nan and ex-Army opera-loving Grandad, who is the only one who accepts him.
It is narrated in first-person diary-form by Green. The style uses short direct sentences which seem to be de rigueur for novels with child narrators. Concepts which might seem precocious given the age of the narrator are explained by recourse to a teacher or a dictionary, as in "Embarrassed is when you're sad and want to hide about something. Mrs R taught us that." (1989: Green)
Most of the first half of the book is spent on developing the characters and the situation. The main characters - Green and his mum - are complex, three-dimensional and hugely believable and the minor characters are also well-drawn and realistic. The setting confers, in huge dollops, further verisimilitude to the extent that I assumed (partly because the author's first name is that of the narrator) that I was reading meta-fiction.
This might also explain the plot. Nothing much happens in the first half of the book but the second half, particularly the fourth quarter, is packed with incident. This would be lopsided in novel but it can be inevitable in a fictionalised memoir. Unfortunately, it meant that the exciting events of the last few pages felt less plausible.
An important story, sensitively told.
February 21, 2023
More transgender children in stories please.
This is the story of Green, a kid of the early 90s (late 80s maybe?) who is trying to solve the mystery of why people treat him like a girl when he is so evidently a boy. The story covers wide themes including domestic violence, death and child sexual abuse. It's written in an incredibly childish way, which makes it so readable, and so heartbreaking at the same time.
Reading from the perspective of a trans kid is powerful. I think people can find trans experience difficult to get sometimes, but it's hard to argue when it's written simply. This book, along with others like it, could definitely help to show those people how easy it can be to understand that identity is something simple which should be respected. It made me so angry to hear how much his voice was ignored, though it was a time when trans rights were not moving as they are today.
Exploring themes such as how a child understands death and reacts to violence in their home was brave. It was often hard to read the things Green was exposed to, but he had this resilient character who coped by action and being wise beyond his years. Some of his reactions were wickedly funny, especially when he swore. He was so aware of things, which made it even more clear that he knew his identity more than anyone else.
A quick read, and one I definitely recommend. I will await the sequel!
This is the story of Green, a kid of the early 90s (late 80s maybe?) who is trying to solve the mystery of why people treat him like a girl when he is so evidently a boy. The story covers wide themes including domestic violence, death and child sexual abuse. It's written in an incredibly childish way, which makes it so readable, and so heartbreaking at the same time.
Reading from the perspective of a trans kid is powerful. I think people can find trans experience difficult to get sometimes, but it's hard to argue when it's written simply. This book, along with others like it, could definitely help to show those people how easy it can be to understand that identity is something simple which should be respected. It made me so angry to hear how much his voice was ignored, though it was a time when trans rights were not moving as they are today.
Exploring themes such as how a child understands death and reacts to violence in their home was brave. It was often hard to read the things Green was exposed to, but he had this resilient character who coped by action and being wise beyond his years. Some of his reactions were wickedly funny, especially when he swore. He was so aware of things, which made it even more clear that he knew his identity more than anyone else.
A quick read, and one I definitely recommend. I will await the sequel!
July 17, 2024
This is an incredibly beautiful book and I haven't read anything like it, despite reading quite a lot of trans fiction. From my perspective, there is definitely a need for more books about trans youth.
As others have written, Green is a 7-8 year old boy who is desperate for others to see him the way he sees himself, alongside his attempts to navigate his family life and social worlds. The author does an excellent job of showing us Green's internal world. I laughed out loud several times in response to Green's literal comments to abstract concepts he is trying to make sense of. The author's use of colours, to help us understand Green's feelings and responses to life events also helps bring Green alive and gives the reader insight to his world.
Any trans man who grew up in the 80s/early 90s will find things they can relate to, and I know of no other book which does the same. Parents, of trans youth, as well as others who care and offer support to this group, will get a valuable insight into their internal worlds. And anyone who has no connection, or interest in trans youth, may learn something new, or simply get lost in a good story.
As others have written, Green is a 7-8 year old boy who is desperate for others to see him the way he sees himself, alongside his attempts to navigate his family life and social worlds. The author does an excellent job of showing us Green's internal world. I laughed out loud several times in response to Green's literal comments to abstract concepts he is trying to make sense of. The author's use of colours, to help us understand Green's feelings and responses to life events also helps bring Green alive and gives the reader insight to his world.
Any trans man who grew up in the 80s/early 90s will find things they can relate to, and I know of no other book which does the same. Parents, of trans youth, as well as others who care and offer support to this group, will get a valuable insight into their internal worlds. And anyone who has no connection, or interest in trans youth, may learn something new, or simply get lost in a good story.
April 19, 2023
This is a story told from the perspective of Green, a 7/8 year old girl. However Green firmly believes he is a boy and cannot understand the insistence of those around him that he's a girl. Set in South Wales in the late 1980s, an environment not conducive to any consideration around gender issues, Green lives in a low income area, drug use and petty crime, domestic violence and abuse common in his life. He deals with many issues, all told through his 8 year old voice, its a sad reflection on life in 1980s. I liked Green very much, its not simplistic and very much a book intended for adults. Very much recommend.
November 8, 2022
Readable but unremarkable. It is not uncommon for an author's first novel to be autobiographical but generally an effort is made to render it more exciting or interesting. This novel doesn't bother though; there's actually a chapter about life being boring and if the narrator is bored, that doesn't bode well for the reader. Consequently, its a quiet tale which has gender issues as background noise but no real conflict to drive the narrative forward.
I recieved a free copy of this book for review from the publisher.
I recieved a free copy of this book for review from the publisher.
January 18, 2024
A nice, easy manageable read narrated by a child who was born female buts desperately wants to be a boy. While pondering this he also solves a crime.
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