Pageboy – Elliot Page
Once again I’ve fallen victim to celebrity memoir FOMO, although Elliot Page’s exploration of coming out, initially as a lesbian and later as transgender, in Hollywood was a cut above the standard.
Page writes with a lyrical quality well-suited to literary fiction, and it helped build a sense of intimacy with the reader. Even more impressive is that he wrote without a ghostwriter, showing a knack for storytelling that would suit him well when/if a career behind the camera, or away from the limelight, is desired.
And who could blame him for wanting a break?
Page’s experiences are another example of the toxic tabloid culture that permeated the internet and media throughout the mid-2000s, destroying the mental health and careers of various — and mostly — female-identifying celebrities (Page came out as a trans man in 2020).
After his breakout role in “Juno,” Page was the topic of frequent speculation and was often ridiculed both publicly and privately for not fitting the ingénue mold. Many of the most harrowing sections are when he details the frequency of homophobia and sexualization by family, friends, people in the industry and fans.
Whether as a defense mechanism or because the wounds are still too painful, Page often presented these scenarios with a detached observation, almost like he was recounting playing a character versus a lived experience. Frequently it felt like Page was holding back or deflecting by adding historical anecdotes that often did not connect well to the broader themes of the section.
This approach paired with the exploration of personal interests, like sustainable living, and a litany of clandestine relationships that were difficult to follow, made various sections drag. In the end, an issue with pacing is probably the biggest downfall of “Pageboy.”
Readers should know this is as much a cautionary tale about Hollywood as it is about not living an authentic life. Sure, there’s celebrity gossip — the juiciest details of which have already been reported in the press — but that’s not why people should read this. Instead, read it to celebrate Page’s courage.
He navigated two highly personal journeys — first, coming out at the height of his fame, and second, fully embracing his truth — publicly and with hostile commentary. As he recounts, this led to mental health challenges, fractured relationships and limited his career opportunities.
It’s a reminder that even with resources and privilege, self-doubt and indifference are crushing. Page doesn’t give a rallying cry for advocacy, but “Pageboy” is a powerful reminder that allyship is immediate with lasting results. Battles like Page’s should not be fought alone.
The audiobook was narrated by the author, and I was a bit let down given he is a dynamic performer. This book is more educational than entertaining, and Page’s read definitely struck that chord.
Rating (story): 3.5/5 stars
Rating (narration): 3/5 stars
Format: Audiobook (library loan)
Dates read: July 26 – July 29, 2023
Multi-tasking: Good to go. While more literary than the standard celebrity memoir, Page keeps the narration engaging and easy to follow regardless of activity.
