Release: October 8, 2024
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Neem Tree Press
Source: The Writereads Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon US
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Mark Vogel is like the older brother Stefan Riley never had, until one day he disappears, and Stefan has to adapt to life without him. But, one year later, when he runs into a girl who looks near-identical to Mark, Stefan becomes obsessed. He discovers that other boys have disappeared, too, dozens over the years, most of them students of the Royal College of Saint Almsworth, many of them troubled or unruly before their disappearance.
What is happening to these boys? Who are the handful of women on campus who bear a striking resemblance to some of those who went missing? And what is the connection to the mysterious Dorley Hall?
Stefan works hard to get into the Royal College for one reason and one reason only: to find out exactly what happened to the women who live at Dorley Hall, and to get it to happen to him, too.
A closeted trans girl attempts to infiltrate a secret underground forced feminisation programme.
Content note: this story engages with some reasonably dark topics, including but not limited to torture, manipulation, dysphoria, nonconsensual surgery, and kidnapping. While it isn’t intended to be a dark or dystopian story, the perspective characters are carrying a lot of baggage, and the exploration of the premise might be triggering for trans readers.
About the Author:
Alyson Greaves is a trans woman living in London, UK in a very small flat,
Alyson lives in a very small flat in a very large city, and writes fiction with trans themes and characters. Her Twitter is twitter.com/badambulist
Welcome to Dorley Hall Review:
When I first picked up “Welcome to Dorley Hall,” I had no idea what lay in store for me. From the beginning, the story captivated me with its intriguing premise and compelling characters. Steph, the protagonist, is an exciting character with solid motivations that drive the narrative forward. The friendships between Steph and Christine and the inclusion of Pippa added depth to the story, making their interactions delightful to read. Similarly, the bond between Aaron and Steph is exciting, showcasing a surreal but enjoyable friendship that evolves throughout the book. Aunt Bea and Abby also brought unique elements to the story, each contributing to the rich tapestry of characters that populate Dorley Hall.
Moreover, one of the standout aspects of the novel is how Alyson Greaves tackles transgender issues, presenting them in a unique and thought-provoking manner. Using gender transformation as a form of punishment is both innovative and controversial, prompting readers to consider new perspectives. This narrative device also explores personal reform and liberation themes, offering a refreshing outlook on the characters’ journeys. Including conversations in chat messages was a clever touch, adding authenticity and a trendy touch to the storytelling.
However, the book does have its drawbacks. At times, the narrative felt overly detailed and lengthy, with some descriptions and scenes that could have been condensed. While the rich character development is appreciated, the extensive detail occasionally bogged down the pacing. The book’s second half also tended to get preachy, detracting from the overall enjoyment.
Overall, “Welcome to Dorley Hall” is a decent read with a fascinating concept and well-drawn characters. Despite its slow pacing and occasional verbosity, it offers a unique perspective on transgender issues and how people cope with reform, stimulating intellectual curiosity and making it a thought-provoking addition to contemporary literature.
Book Tour Schedule
I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Welcome to Dorley Hall by Alyson Greaves Blog Tour hosted by The Writereads Tours.
