MobileRead July 2013 Discussion: Fanny and Stella by Neil McKenna (spoilers) - Page 3

BelleZora · 08-09-2013, 05:03 PM

I enjoyed Fanny and Stella, but was also bothered by the author's apparent embellishments. Still, I'm glad I read it.

A close 17-year-old relative, a lovely and feminine girl, was recently examined to find the reason she hadn't begun menses. Although externally she appears to be a normal female, it was discovered that she has no vagina or uterus, but does have internal testes. She then saw a specialist who told her parents that her condition is uncommon but not rare.

When I told her she is perfect just the way she is, she said, "I know that." Families do adjust quickly and perceptions of normal change. I understand Stella's mother wanting only her child's happiness without concern for society's ideas of normalcy. One can only hope that society will not punish those seen as 'different'.

Bookpossum · 08-09-2013, 08:09 PM

Yes, thank goodness there is a bit more compassion and acceptance of difference now than there was. And with her family's love and support I do hope all goes well for her.

fantasyfan · 08-11-2013, 02:20 AM

Thank you so much for sharing that very sensitve life-experience, BelleZora. You make your point beautifully and effectively.

08-11-2013, 02:20 AM	#33
fantasyfan Wizard Posts: 1,376 Karma: 28116892 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ireland Device: Kindle Oasis 3, iPad 9th gen. IPhone 11	Thank you so much for sharing that very sensitve life-experience, BelleZora. You make your point beautifully and effectively. Last edited by fantasyfan; 08-11-2013 at 03:35 AM.

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08-09-2013, 05:03 PM	#31
BelleZora Wizard Posts: 1,442 Karma: 25151986 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Seattle, US Device: Kindle Paperwhite, Kobo Libra 2, Pocketbook Verse Pro Color	I enjoyed Fanny and Stella, but was also bothered by the author's apparent embellishments. Still, I'm glad I read it. A close 17-year-old relative, a lovely and feminine girl, was recently examined to find the reason she hadn't begun menses. Although externally she appears to be a normal female, it was discovered that she has no vagina or uterus, but does have internal testes. She then saw a specialist who told her parents that her condition is uncommon but not rare. When I told her she is perfect just the way she is, she said, "I know that." Families do adjust quickly and perceptions of normal change. I understand Stella's mother wanting only her child's happiness without concern for society's ideas of normalcy. One can only hope that society will not punish those seen as 'different'.

08-09-2013, 08:09 PM	#32
Bookpossum Snoozing in the sun Posts: 10,146 Karma: 115423645 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Melbourne, Australia Device: iPad Mini, Kobo Touch	Yes, thank goodness there is a bit more compassion and acceptance of difference now than there was. And with her family's love and support I do hope all goes well for her.

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