This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of identity, family dynamics, and the complexities of growing up. The story revolves around the Walsh family, particularly the youngest child, Claude, who comes out as a transgender girl. Through the lens of this family’s journey, the novel delves into how love, secrecy, acceptance, and societal expectations shape individual lives. As the family grapples with Claude’s transition, they navigate the challenges of being supportive while also confronting their own fears, biases, and desires for normalcy. Frankel captures the struggles of parenting, the fluidity of gender, and the resilience of a family bound by unconditional love, all while posing the larger question of what it means to live authentically in a world that often demands conformity.
this is how it always is
