Set primarily during the 1980s and 1990s, La mala costumbre follows an unnamed protagonist growing up in San Blas, a working-class neighbourhood of Madrid. The setting itself acts as a vital character in the book, marked by the devastation of the heroin epidemic, economic hardship, and the rigid social expectations of post-Francoist Spain.
Portero’s background as a historian, poet, and dramatist shines through the thematic architecture of the book.
Upon its release, La mala costumbre became a literary phenomenon in Spain and was quickly picked up for translation into multiple languages. Critics have praised Portero for avoiding trauma-porn tropes, instead delivering a story that balances immense pain with fierce joy, resilience, and dignity. It stands as a landmark text in contemporary queer European literature, ensuring that the histories of marginalized working-class trans women are permanently etched into the literary canon.
Ultimately, La mala costumbre is a story about survival, resilience, and the search for acceptance. It explores how resentment and rage against a system that rejects those who are different can be completely valid tools for enduring an often-hostile world. La mala costumbre - Alana S. Portero.epub
La mala costumbre by Alana S. Portero is far more than a transition story; it is a fierce defense of the right to exist, an anthem for the working class, and a love letter to Madrid. Whether you are reading it in its original Spanish or an English translation, this book promises to leave an indelible mark on your heart.
As the narrator grows older and ventures into the nightlife of downtown Madrid (specifically the Chueca district), she discovers her lineage. The novel pays beautiful homage to the older generation of trans women—those who survived the Franco dictatorship and the devastation of the HIV/AIDS crisis. These women become her mentors, her protectors, and her mirrors. 4. Mythology and Poetry as Survival
The lyrical nature of Portero’s writing benefits from digital ereader features, such as built-in dictionaries for slang unique to Madrid’s working class ( cheli ) and the ability to adjust typography for a more intimate reading experience. Critical Reception and Legacy Set primarily during the 1980s and 1990s, La
The city of Madrid acts as a living character. From the residual trauma of the Franco dictatorship to the frantic, hedonistic liberation of the Movida Madrileña and its subsequent fallout, the historical backdrop mirrors the protagonist’s internal chaos and evolution. Critical Acclaim and Cultural Impact
One of the strengths of the novel is its ability to tackle complex themes in a lighthearted and entertaining way. The author's use of humor and anecdotes makes the book feel more like a conversation with a friend than a traditional self-help guide.
A turning point in the novel is the introduction of older trans women and queer mentors. These characters serve as living monuments of survival, offering the protagonist the validation, history, and maternal care denied to her by mainstream society. 3. Greek Mythology as a Shield Upon its release, La mala costumbre became a
The narrative spans the late 1980s through the 1990s, set against the backdrop of the heroin epidemic and the shifting social landscape of post-Franco Spain. Childhood in San Blas:
) would highlight it as a raw, poetic coming-of-age story centered on the trans experience in working-class Madrid during the 1980s and 90s. Key Features for a Review or Feature Article Alana S. Portero presents Bad Habit - Instituto Cervantes
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