Live life with Sophie as she finds out who she is, what she wants, and what really matters to her. Author Tobi Lakmaker has created a memorable character, Sophie’s words spill onto the page and out into the world, she is frank, observant, and the conversational style works well. While the title features within the story, there is far more to discover about Sophie. The personal access ranges through the ups and downs that life offers, from raw grief through to wry humour. Translator Kristen Gehrman ensured that I was able to sink into the tale while being very aware that I was observing life in another country. The sense of place is an important element, I felt as the Sophie had to live and exist in Amsterdam and as though it formed a part of her soul. I’ve chosen the wonderfully readable The History of My Sexuality as a Liz Pick of the Month because it feels so gently provocative as it wanders along.
Meet Sofie. The history of her sexuality begins when she loses her virginity to Walter the recruitment consultant. So, naturally, she thought that things could only improve from there. But she was wrong.
It seems Sofie's been wrong about a lot of things. First, she thought she was into men: wrong. Then she met Frida and thought she was set for life: wrong again. Turns out, facing up to everything she thought she knew about herself requires a lot of trial and error. Will Sofie ever be able to untangle the impossible knot of sex, love, loneliness, family relationships and grief that constitutes a life? Does it even matter?
The History of My Sexuality is a frank, funny, exuberant journey through the highs and lows of your 20s, and making peace with getting it wrong again and again...
