An engaging memoir with a compelling narrative; reading What a Girl Wants felt like sitting down to put the world to rights with a good friend.
Bourdillon’s style of writing is easy to enjoy, flowing from one personal point to the next, whilst also linking those experiences with key cultural and political moments, such as the release of The L Word and Section 28.
I think LGBTQ+ millennials are likely to find at least one aspect of this book with which they can identify. In reality most will find more than just one aspect that resonates; I know I certainly did. From coming out to finding the Leeds gay scene, there is a plethora of aspects to explore in this book.
Finally, we end up at The New Penny. It’s been going since 1953, making it one of the oldest gay bars not only in Leeds, but in the whole country… It’s where we go when we don’t want our night to end – loud, crowded, messy and so much fun.
Roxy Bourdillon, What a Girl Wants
I was initially drawn to picking up What a Girl Wants for review due to the author’s role as editor in chief of Diva magazine; as a subscriber I recognised the name immediately. Within the first few chapters I was hooked as it become apparent that we’re not too far apart in age, home location, or indeed upbringing, which always makes a memoir that more interesting as a reader. I love the memoir genre for this reason: its books often have the ability to be both fascinating and validating – What a Girl Wants is no different.
At one stage in her story Bourdillon reflects on the word ‘lesbian’ – how it became weaponised by the patriarchy (amongst others), and the impact this had on her use of the word; these ruminations deeply resonated with me. To this day it is a word I dislike, and I completely recognise that comes as a direct result of my own lived experiences such as those Bourdillon shares with her audience.
The word ‘lesbian’ worries me. Growing up, I never hear the word ‘lesbian’ used in a positive light. ‘Lesbian’ is the butt of the joke. It is always pronounced with venom, disgust or mocking, put-you-in-your-place laughter. ‘Lesbian’ is an attack word in the arsenal of the playground bully. A missile fired on a mission to hurt and humiliate. ‘Lesbian’ is a target on your back, because ‘lesbian’ is shorthand for: ‘You don’t fit in.’
Roxy Bourdillon, What a Girl Wants
What a Girl Wants is a nostalgia filled, personable, and deeply relatable book…which will without doubt stand the test of time, as every inspirational LGBTQ+ memoir should – our stories are more important now than ever.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Released 17/04/2025, available to pre-order and purchase from:
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