Beautiful and deeply personal, this novella explores themes of identity, family and abuse. The prose was easy to read, despite the subject matter being incredibly difficult. I applaud Sutaria for writing such a moving piece and bravely putting their story out into the world.

This quick read was inspired by the overturning of Roe v Wade, but does not focus solely on abortion. Sure, there is an abortion at the start of the story (and the question of another), but I found the topic of created family to be more compelling and abortion is but one component in that. A rape and subsequent abortion experienced by a transman earlier on in his life starts us off and in alternating chapters, we hear other voices that become closer and more distant throughout the years. There are voices of anger, pain, and yearning. It comes together a bit too tidy for my liking in the end, but also provides some relief in that it reinforces the idea that family can continue to be created and doesn't ever have to be finished.

I got this as an arc on Netgalley but it has been out since last year. This novella was heartbreaking, intense and so very very good. The book had me near sobbing.