Geraldine, Andrea Thompson | Book 51, 2025

Geraldine, Andrea Thompson | Book 51, 2025

The story of a woman who changes the world that wants to change her.

I picked up Geraldine after spotting author Andrea Thompson at Andrew H.C. McDonald’s book launch earlier this year. I recognised her face but couldn’t quite place it at the time—turns out, she’s another Perth local! I’d seen her in promo photos with Geraldine at various bookshops, and the vibrant, punchy cover made sure it didn’t sit long on my TBR.

Lately, I’ve been borrowing everything from the library—the borrowed stack is far outweighing my own shelves—and although I’ve smashed my reading goal of “as many books as my daughter is tall,” I’ve got zero proof because everything’s already been returned!

This weekend was meant to be a birthday celebration with my human, but life got in the way (his, not mine), and we had to pull the pin. Silver lining: I took the whole day off instead of just a half, thanks to my son receiving a merit certificate at school! The change threw my routine—shopping either happens early or late for a reason, and I flat out refused to be caught up in that chaotic middle-of-the-day madness.

Back to Geraldine—if my weekend had gone to plan, I’d probably be on my third book by now. But between doom scrolling, furniture assembly, and general household chaos, reading slid far down the list. That said, even reading in small bursts, Geraldine was on my mind the whole time. I did stop to read along the coast, taking 20 mins in the sun on my way to my boyfriend’s house.

Thompson’s novel is a raw, radiant coming-of-age tale of transformation and survival. Told through the eyes of Geraldine, a trans woman who grows up between Yorkshire, Rhodesia, and suburban Australia, the story spans decades of self-discovery, societal pressure, and quiet resilience.

From escaping a boarding school in Africa to managing a punk band in WA, Geraldine is a firecracker of curiosity, heart, and stubbornness. There’s a particular tenderness in her interactions with the women around her—like when collecting grasshoppers sparks conversations and connection in unexpected places.

One of the most memorable moments for me was the organic, affirming way Geraldine names herself. When a bandmate (her brother) asks, “Do I call you our Geraldine from now on then, our kid?” and she replies, “Yes please,” it feels quietly revolutionary. Simple, certain, and full of self-claiming joy.

There are wildly fun moments too—like the hilarious acid trip chapter, courtesy of a band she wrote to after finding a signed record in a local store. But Thompson balances humour with heaviness. The brutal honesty around hormone therapy, Geraldine’s heart stopping, and the fact that same-sex intimacy was illegal in WA until 1990—these moments are gut-punches. The rejection from the Gender Reassignment Board (when two men in the same position later succeed through the courts) captures the maddening hypocrisy and resilience required just to be.

I adored Geraldine’s GP—one of those rare, steadfast supporters you wish existed in every field. Thompson paints allies with as much depth and warmth as she does barriers, which makes the hard moments bearable.

And the line “Maddington is a shit hole”? That got a genuine laugh out loud. Local readers will feel that.

Geraldine is, quite simply, brilliant. It’s beautifully written, sharply observed, and unflinchingly honest. It’s one of those books that stirs something in you. As sad as I am to return my borrowed copy, this one’s definitely getting a permanent spot on my shelf.

Update: After posting this I messaged Andrea and shared my thoughts on the book, She kindly sent me a personal signed copy, which I’m grateful for.