books
January 16, 2026
Chosen Family by Madeleine Gray review
From classmates to co-parents, the changing dynamics of a female friendship are astutely observed in a novel that explores the boundaries between love, lust and companionship
TL;DR
- The novel follows Nell and Eve from age 12 through various life stages, including high school, university, and early parenthood.
- Nell abandons Eve in their youth due to social pressures, creating a rift that lingers throughout their lives.
- Eve discovers and embraces her queer identity, finding community and new experiences.
- The two women eventually co-parent a child, navigating the complexities of their relationship and past hurts.
- The story questions the nature of love between women and the possibility of a unique partnership and family structure.
- Themes of Medusa, petrification, and the fear of loss are woven into the narrative.
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