Geraldine is born with an adventurer’s heart. Whether it is sneaking out of home in Yorkshire, escaping from boarding school in Rhodesia, or buying hormones from the local speed dealer in Weston-super-Mare, Geraldine is wide open to all the world has to offer – even if the world doesn’t know what to make of Geraldine.
Arriving in Australia as an adolescent, Geraldine will use music as the key to unlock her soul. And as a woman, she will find a way to inspire others, and to be accepted for herself.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Geraldine has been an enjoyable easy read once your head gets around the mix of gender references at the start of the book. It has provided a welcome insight into the mind of the gender diverse population in a familiar and comfortable way. The storyline cleverly weaves historic events and pop culture with an intimate story of self discovery. A very enjoyable read even for people not familiar with the music scene of the era or gender diversity. Eliza, NSW, 5 stars
Geraldine was born on 16th May 1965 in Yorkshire, far from where she eventually settles in Australia. She had a brother, Harry, who is 5 years older than her and her parents Grace and Frank Stumer. Through her father’s jobs, they had moved to different countries for his work. Geraldine had diphtheria and the one thing she could do while recovering was reading. She read everything she could get her hands on. Geraldine and Harry were shuffled from boarding school to boarding school and when she was 13 received her first record player. This turns her life around as she is bought into the music world. Harry is in a band and she became their manager, organises gigs to play at. Geraldine meets up with the school bully, Patrick Burgess and he gets her into drugs – acid, speed and marijuana with Harry. Later she decides she has had enough and wants to get fully into music. Now 17 Geraldine arrives in Perth Australia in Nov 1981 where friends of the family Ada and George Williams, from where her parents knew them when they were in Zambia, pick her up. Their eldest son Jack takes Geraldine to meet a dealer and that is where she meets Claire. Geraldine has different jobs but eventually gets into politics. But why? Sue A, NSW, 5 stars
Our dear Gerald has an interesting story of growing up. From England to Zambia and navigation to the main Interest Music. This book gives not only a rare light on Gender and who they really are when at 15 Gerald announces to a doctor they know they have been a girl since age 4. Boarding school didn’t change this but music is where one was comfortable and could share. This is a rarer book that looks and handles this subject. Will be very widely accepted by many as well. Tianne, NSW, 5 stars
Set between 1964 and 2003, this story follows a woman determined to make her mark on a world that seeks to change her. Geraldine, born with a spirit of adventure, embraces life’s challenges, whether it’s fleeing from a boarding school in Rhodesia or procuring hormones from a local dealer in Weston-super-Mare. She is eager to explore everything life has to offer, even if society struggles to understand her. Upon arriving in Australia as a teenager, Geraldine discovers comfort and identity through music. As she matures, she not only becomes a source of inspiration for others but also learns to embrace her true self. I found Geraldine’s journey engaging and relatable, especially with its subtle nods to life in Australia during the 80s. Knowing some gender-diverse individuals in 2025, I was struck by how unaccepted they were in the past and the challenges they faced in seeking acceptance. It’s remarkable to see how far we’ve come in such a short time. The chapters are structured in a way that makes it easy to pick up and read whenever you have a moment. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, and I can definitely see myself diving into it again multiple times. Christine, TAS, 5 stars
Geraldine is born in England in the 1960’s as Gerald but always knows that she is in the wrong body. Her childhood is difficult, in particular reconciling with her identity when she has never seen or heard of others like her. Her life is changed for the better when her older brother Harry introduces her to music. Then her parents once again uproot her life, moving the family to Western Australia. The second half of the book follows now adult Geraldine, her relationships, reconnecting to the music world, and her fight for justice and equality. Geraldine’s story is at times heartbreaking, but her strength and spirit shines through. She is a fighter and you want to be in her corner all the way. As soon as I see records on the cover of a book, you’ve got my interest and as a music lover, I loved the references to the music world, including a Jam concert, a trip to Glastonbury and backstage at the Big Day Out. For me this is definitely a 5 star read, but if you have no interest in music or LGBTQIA+ rights and issues, then this may not be the book for you. Jo, QLD, 5 stars
Geraldine is a wonderful look at the music scene of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s through the eyes of one inspiring transgender woman. Geraldine’s life is so interesting with her early years living all around the world due to her father’s work. It gives her an adventurous spirit. Arriving in Australia she looks at the world through her own eyes and along the way makes friends, forging her own path and gaining solace from the world of music. This is a poignant look at one woman’s story which changed the lives of many. You will fall in love with Geraldine. A timely read! Michelle, QLD, 5 stars
Geraldine is a must read, for everyone. It opened my eyes and allowed me to see the world in a completely different way. It is impossible to walk in someone else’s shoes, but Geraldine showed me the struggles some people face in a heart warming, and sometimes confronting way. I could not put this book down. An extraordinary read. Julie, VIC, 5 stars
While Geraldine is not my usual preferred genre, I enjoyed following the details of Geraldine’s life from childhood through to adulthood across three different continents. The author took us on a gradual and gentle journey, exploring Geraldine’s gender identity and her relationship with herself and those around her. The writing style was reminiscent of a memoir, making it easy to read and allowing the reader to draw their own interpretations of events. I also appreciated expanding my knowledge and understanding of the period in which the book was set (1960s to early 2000s). Amy, QLD, 4 stars
Geraldine is a sensitively and beautifully written book on a topic (Gender Diverse) that not a lot is generally known by many of us. It had an intricate and detailed storyline much like the character of Geraldine herself. It was easy to read and full of interesting characters throughout. Geraldine is a strong character whose resilience, strength, honesty and perseverance shone brightly through. Her inner confidence about herself from a young age is on every page in a world that wasn’t ready for or very accepting of her differences. I found the dialogue realistic and although the music part of the story was less interesting, for me, what was way more interesting was about her family members and life growing up in a very ordinary family and the people around her that either supported her openly or not that I found more interesting than the music scene. The only thing I felt was missing throughout was hearing more about Geraldine’s inner thoughts and how it affected her emotions which would have completed the story for me. I was left guessing a lot throughout the book and making my own assumptions that may or may not have been correct. Overall, I found this book a very interesting read on a topic that I knew little about. Bridget, QLD, 4 stars
Geraldine by Andrea Thompson is a quiet but powerfully compelling story. The short chapters make it an easy read. I felt the books ending was a bit abrupt but overall the story of Geraldine and gender issues was a great read. Trudy, SA, 4 stars
Wow, I was really drawn into this book – it was such an interesting perspective to read from. I loved following Geraldine’s journey and learning about bands and music scenes. It was great to actually have real bands used in the story – made it feel like it was more of a memoir rather than fiction. I really loved Geraldine’s character and how she had the strength to stay true to herself over the course of being unsure, not listened to – I was glad that she found her “tribe” and love. A different read to my normal genre, but I was really pleasantly surprised by this read – thank you Jodi C, QLD, 4 stars
At first, I didn’t really love this book, but found Geraldine was really worth getting to know. Geraldine, endured the humiliation of a small town Doctor treating her like a naughty time wasting child, many different friendships and relationships, some beautiful and strong, some not so much. The book really started for me when Geraldine moved to Australia, Geraldine was more comfortable within herself and was a force to be reckoned with, she found strength to stand up for herself, to move away from her parent’s control, even though not horrible, definitely dysfunctional. Still not truly “seen” by anyone this chapter in Geraldine’s life would be her most important. Finding a platform to project herself from gave Geraldine some purpose and meaning, Geraldine just wanted to be seen as ordinary, this was all she ever wanted. Becoming an accidental face of gay rights and gender diversity, Geraldine made some good friends in the right places, to help bring about fair laws, this was as recent as 2002. Geraldine being her ordinary self, managed to allow people to see that she was an intelligent woman, who was just trying to make the world a safe place for everyone to live in. Linda, VIC, 4 stars
What a gutsy read, of a coming-of-age journey of Gerald/Geraldine who at the age of 4 has identified herself as female in a world that identifies her as male. Geraldine has an adventurous nature form exploring her neighbourhoods in England and Rhodesia, to during her adolescent years exploring music. Geraldine’s love of music, begins to define the people in her life, sees her managing her brothers band, creating an exciting music scene in Perth, and becoming a successful manager for bands. Andrea’s character Geraldine is unapologetically herself even when society struggles to accept her identity. The journey from transitioning from Gerald to Geraldine highlights the struggle of Gender Diverse individuals, to be accepted, to get the medical support, and legal rights. From the doctor telling her not to waste his time, getting her hormones from the drug dealer, arrested and beat at the police station, to changing laws in Western Australia for gender diverse individuals. This book covers a range of issues that Geraldine faces from being true to one’s identity, discrimination, isolation, and legal rights. The author tells this story in a very authentic and raw way, the ups and downs, and I found it to be a really engaging story, told in a very authentic nature. This is not a book I would normally choose to read, but it was so worth the read, interesting and insightful. Fran, VIC, 4 stars
Geraldine was an interesting read about the story of a boy who grows up realising he is trapped in the body of a boy when he actually identifies himself as female, it follows his adventures with his older brother escaping from boarding school, his families many moves, dabbling in buying hormones from the local drug dealer, his interest in music which becomes an important part of his life and his involvement in gaining rights for the LGBT movement in Australia. I found this book a very interesting read and an insight to the difficulties that were faced by the transgender community gaining acceptance. Fiona, VIC, 4 stars
Geraldine is both heart-warming and heart-breaking. It is sad what she has to go through – both internally doubting herself and externally from others in society. The book highlights the power of individuality and living your truth. Overall an uplifting and hopeful story Susan, NSW, 4 stars
Geraldine is an incredible story that celebrates staying to true to yourself no matter how hard that can be. Geraldine faces many obstacles throughout her life and this book gives an insight into what a gender diverse person has to go through. A wonderful and enlightening read Natalie, NSW, 4 stars
What a READ. ‘Geraldine’ by Andrea Thompson is a difficult novel to categorise. It reads like a memoir but is so much more. Geraldine is born with the body of a boy but the soul of a woman and all she wants is to be seen as an ‘ordinary woman’. We follow her life journey through the 60s, 70s until the present day, from England to Rhodesia, back to England, and eventually to Australia. Her parents are distant, but her brother is, at times, her only friend introducing her to music. Geraldine finds herself in her love of music, uses it to follow her dreams, and supports so many others along the way. Her journey as a gender diverse person is cleverly portrayed and we learn about the struggle for legal acceptance in Western Australia, a struggle still going on today. Andrea’s knowledge of this journey rings true throughout the book. I found myself aching for Geraldine, and cheering her on as she pushed to be Geraldine, crying when she nearly gave up and delighting in her strength. Catherine, QLD, 4 stars
I found this book to be a ‘slow grow’ – the first half felt a little disjointed, with too many story threads. However, the second half really explored the challenges of being non-binary and the strength that was shown by the ‘early identities’. Definitely recommend to anyone with an interest in the strength of convictions and the importance of a ‘tribe’. Lee, ACT, 4 stars
The story follows the adventures of a child growing up in a world that wants her to be something that she isn’t. From the UK to Rhodesia to Australia, through childhood, adolescence and womanhood, Geraldine takes on all the battles she’s faced with to be true to herself. She finds comfort and understanding in her love of reading, music and the support of a few true friends. A gut wrenching, enlightening and heart warming read. Janice, NSW, 4 stars
Geraldine is raw and unflinching in its honestly and brutality. Geraldine herself is a realistic balance between a strong woman standing up for herself and not taking any shit, while internally holding herself to unrealistic standards and never being good enough. Talk about relatable. This book perfectly captured the singular magic that music can have. There really is nothing like the feeling of finding a piece of music that speaks to you, especially during your heady teenage years. I really appreciated the weaving of Geraldine coming of age in multiple ways. That finding her passion for music, along with her first found family gives her the courage to give voice to what she’s always known – that she’s a woman. Even when people weren’t ready to hear it, she was ready to show people who she is, come what may. Thompson faces head on the realities of being transgender and Geraldine doesn’t have an easy time of it. The book also highlights the joy found in living your truth and was ultimately uplifting and hopeful. Also, can we all please take a minute for the cover? Just stunning. Haley, QLD, 4 stars
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started Geraldine by Andrea Thompson, however it was refreshing to read a book with themes outside of my wheelhouse, reading such themes so eloquently written was a joy. I felt a great compassion towards little Geraldine, who navigates a world of complex layers. While I have yet to finish, I’m compelled to continue to find out what becomes of Geraldine, to immerse myself in her life’s adventures. The prose flows nicely, I am excited to read what comes next. Thank you for bringing Geraldine to life and sharing her with the world. Kasey, QLD, 3 stars
Geraldine is an interesting character and knows who she is. There were a few unanswered questions but on the whole a satisfying read Leanne, SA, 3 stars
Andrea Thompson has written about a sensitive topic in her novel, ‘Geraldine.’ She describes other people’s reactions to those who are different. In writing this story the reader is given insight into how those in minority groups can have a difficult journey through life. Through lack of understanding of their situation, some are made to feel inferior to the mainstream. The characters each have their own struggles, with some being helpful to the main character, while others are resentful and make life more difficult. The theme revolves around trying to change laws to enable minority groups to feel more accepted into the community instead of being shunned for wanting to be themselves. After reading this book I now have a better understanding and empathy for those who struggle on a daily basis to live their own lives and be accepted as they are. Cherylene, QLD, 3 stars
Geraldine by Andrea Thompson follows the life of Gerald/Geraldine from the late 1960s when aged 4, Gerald has identified as female to herself while the world saw her as male. It is a gentle coming to terms with her differences as she navigates school and lack of friendship groups. Geraldine refuses to be defined by society and her adventurous spirit has her embracing her uniqueness. Highly intelligent, she convinces her brother’s band to take her on as their manager. From here she becomes the go to person for new punk groups and is seen as a huge success. Her love of music means that once the family moves to Australia, she uses her skills to improve the local music scene. In the meantime, Geraldine is also fighting for the rights of the gay community and slowly realising her own gender diversity. This book covers the issues facing the LGBTQIA+ from the 60s up to the 2020s. Thompson isn’t preaching but gently outlining what life is for gender diverse people. Well worth a read and very enlightening. Annette, ACT, 3 stars
Geraldine is a confronting and often meandering novel, that takes readers through the authors personal coming of age journey. More of a reflection through her personal memoir, the author traverses a sensitive topic with courage and passion. Not for everyone, but still a worthy literary contribution that provides a sharp focus on themes of relationships, identity, gender, and racism Geoff, WA, 2 stars
I usually get a sense of whether or not I am going to enjoy reading a book after the First few pages. I didn’t get that feeling with this book. This didn’t change the further I got into it. At first I found it confusing that her father Frank kept referring to he & using the name Gerald until I realised that Gerald was a boy who actually identified as Geraldine. I have to consider whether he identified as female because he realised that his mother was devastated when he was born male & her subsequent treatment of him. As the family moved quite often there were some interesting insights into different cultures in various parts of the world before finally settling in Australia where the fight began to recognise transgender people. I couldn’t understand why Gerald wanted all documents relating to him changed to female but refused gender reassignment surgery.It also wasn’t clear to me whether he/she had sexual relationships with either males or females. I felt that this book didn’t flow smoothly but rather had a staccato effect. In conclusion my feeling is that this book would only appeal to a small minority of the general public. Sharnee, QLD, 2 stars
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