The novel is set in the working-class neighborhood of San Blas in Madrid during the late 1980s and 1990s. It follows the protagonist, a child assigned male at birth, who early on realizes she is a girl. The narrative traces her life through three distinct stages:
Portero writes in long, cascading sentences reminiscent of Argentine author Camila Sosa Villada (Las Malas). Her language is a hybrid: the crude slang of San Blas ("la poli," "el chungo," "las colegas") interwoven with lyrical, almost sacred beauty when describing a sunset over the industrial buildings.
Reading La mala costumbre - Alana S. Portero.epub allows you to search for terms. For example, search for the word "cuchilla" (blade) to see how many times the motif appears, or "seda" (silk) to find the moments of redemption. La mala costumbre - Alana S. Portero.epub
No. And that is its strength.
The novel contains explicit descriptions of: The novel is set in the working-class neighborhood
It is recommended for mature readers (18+). However, for trans readers, especially those from working-class backgrounds, many have reported the book as cathartic. As one Goodreads review states: "Portero wrote the diary I was too afraid to keep."
For cisgender readers, it is a masterclass in empathy. It does not ask for pity; it demands action. It is recommended for mature readers (18+)
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