This guide explores " La mala costumbre " (English title: Bad Habit), the critically acclaimed debut novel by Alana S. Portero. Set in the working-class neighborhoods of Madrid during the 1980s and 90s, it is a lyrical coming-of-age story about a trans woman navigating identity, class, and survival. 1. Summary & Setting
The novel follows an unnamed protagonist (sometimes referred to as Alex) growing up in San Blas, a blue-collar suburb of Madrid.
Bad Habit by Alana S Portero review – in search of acceptance
Discovering " La mala costumbre Alana S. Portero If you are looking for a story that is as brutal as it is tender, Alana S. Portero’s debut novel, La mala costumbre (translated into English as
), is a must-read. This coming-of-age odyssey has taken the literary world by storm, earning praise from cultural icons like and director Pedro Almodóvar The Story: A Journey Through Madrid’s Margins
Set in the 1980s and 90s, the novel follows an unnamed narrator growing up in San Blas, a working-class neighborhood in Madrid ravaged by the heroin epidemic. Born into a boy’s body but possessing an unshakable knowledge of her identity as a girl, she navigates a world defined by rigid patriarchy and the ever-present threat of violence.
As she grows older, her journey takes her from the desolate streets of her childhood to the clandestine, glittering nightlife of downtown Madrid. Along the way, she encounters a vibrant cast of "fallen angels"—junkies, pop divas, and wise trans sex workers—who become her mentors and chosen family. Key Themes
Bad Habit by Alana S Portero review – in search of acceptance
If you are looking for information about the book La mala costumbre by Alana S. Portero (often found in .epub format for digital reading), here are the key details about the work: 📖 Book Overview
La mala costumbre (translated as Bad Habit) is the debut novel by Alana S. Portero, published in 2023 by Seix Barral. It quickly became a literary phenomenon and has been translated into over 10 languages.
The story is a raw, poetic, and moving coming-of-age journey of a trans girl growing up in a working-class family in the San Blas neighbourhood of Madrid.
Setting: 1980s and 90s Madrid, a city marked by both the heroin epidemic and clandestine nightlife.
Theme: It explores the struggle of living in a body that feels foreign and the violence of a society that rejects difference.
Key Influences: The narrative blends harsh realism with symbolism, religious metaphors, and pop culture references. 🛠️ Technical Details
If you are managing your digital library (like Calibre), you might need these specs for your metadata: Author: Alana S. Portero Publisher: Seix Barral (Biblioteca Breve)
Print Length: ~256 pages (Standard edition) or 336 pages (Special edition) ISBN-13: 978-8432242120
Awards: Winner of the Cálamo Literary Award (2023) and the Vanity Fair Award for Best Novel (2023). 💡 Reading Experience
La mala costumbre (English title: Bad Habit) is the 2023 debut novel by Spanish playwright and poet Alana S. Portero. A visceral and lyrical coming-of-age story, the book has become an international literary phenomenon, translated into over 17 languages. It explores the intersections of gender, class, and identity in post-Franco Spain. Plot Overview
The novel follows an unnamed narrator, a young trans girl born into a boy’s body, as she navigates the working-class neighborhood of San Blas in Madrid during the 1980s and '90s.
Childhood in San Blas: Growing up in a suburb ravaged by the heroin epidemic, the protagonist feels isolated and "trapped in a body she does not know how to inhabit".
Double Life: As a teenager, she begins to explore Madrid’s clandestine nightlife and the gay neighborhood of Chueca, living as a woman by night while maintaining a male persona by day.
Search for Community: Through encounters with "fallen angels"—junkies, pop divas, and world-weary trans sex workers—she eventually finds the "chosen family" and sisterhood necessary to survive a society that denies her existence. Key Themes
Bad Habit by Alana S Portero review – in search of acceptance
CONFIDENTIAL FILE ANALYSIS REPORT
SUBJECT: "La mala costumbre - Alana S. Portero.epub" AUTHOR: Alana S. Portero GENRE: Historical Fiction / LGBTQ+ Literature DATE OF REPORT: October 26, 2023 (Simulated) La mala costumbre - Alana S. Portero.epub
Q: Is there an audiobook version? A: Yes. The audiobook narrated by Alana S. Portero herself is available on Audible. Hearing the author pronounce the Madrid slang adds a profound layer of authenticity.
Q: Will the book be translated into English? A: As of 2025, rights have been acquired by HarperVia in the US. The English title is rumored to be The Bad Habit. However, reading the original Spanish EPUB is highly recommended for purists.
Q: The file I downloaded has weird characters. Why? A: That is a sign of a pirated copy. Official EPUBs from Seix Barral use correct UTF-8 encoding for Spanish accents (á, é, í, ó, ú, ñ). Pirated versions often scramble these.
Q: Is this a sequel to Las Malas? A: No, but both books belong to the emerging genre of "working-class transfeminist literature." Read them as companions.
Ready to read? Search for "La mala costumbre - Alana S. Portero.epub" exclusively on legal platforms like Google Play Books or eBiblio today. Your library—and your conscience—will thank you.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes. We do not host or provide direct download links for copyrighted material. Please support the author by purchasing the official EPUB.
La mala costumbre (translated as ) is the debut novel by Spanish playwright and activist Alana S. Portero, published in May 2023. It is a lyrical coming-of-age story that follows an unnamed trans woman growing up in the working-class neighborhood of San Blas, Madrid, during the 1980s and 90s. Core Narrative & Context
: The story begins in the post-Franco era, a period of transition in Spain marked by a contrast between rigid patriarchal tradition and a blossoming underground scene. The narrator's childhood is shaped by a landscape of poverty, heroin addiction, and structural violence. Protagonist's Journey
: Trapped in a body and social role that feel alien, the narrator navigates her identity in a world that offers her no language to describe herself. She transitions from the isolation of her youth to finding a sense of belonging in Madrid's central party districts like Chueca. Found Family
: Central to the novel is the concept of "transfeminine lineage". The protagonist is guided by older trans women—street queens and outcasts who provide the care, wisdom, and protection her environment lacks. Key Themes
Bad Habit by Alana S Portero review – in search of acceptance
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La mala costumbre (Bad Habit) by Alana S. Portero is a critically acclaimed, autobiographical-infused novel exploring trans identity, social class, and chosen family in 1980s and 90s working-class Madrid. Selected for Dua Lipa's Service95 Book Club, the debut is praised for its lyrical prose and raw portrayal of a character finding their path amid a restrictive society. Read a review from The Guardian.
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Book Report: "La mala costumbre" by Alana S. Portero
Introduction
"La mala costumbre" (The Bad Habit) is a novel written by Spanish author Alana S. Portero. The book has gained significant attention for its thought-provoking and introspective exploration of human relationships, habits, and personal growth. This report provides an overview of the novel, its themes, and an analysis of its impact on readers.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around the life of the protagonist, who is not explicitly named, as she navigates her daily routine and grapples with her own bad habits. Through a series of introspective and often humorous anecdotes, the author explores the protagonist's struggles with relationships, self-improvement, and finding meaning in life. As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist's journey becomes a metaphor for the human experience, inviting readers to reflect on their own habits and choices. This guide explores " La mala costumbre "
Themes
The novel explores several themes that resonate with readers, including:
Analysis
"La mala costumbre" is a relatable and engaging novel that offers a unique blend of humor, introspection, and self-help. The author's writing style is approachable and accessible, making the book an enjoyable read for a wide range of audiences. The protagonist's struggles and triumphs serve as a mirror for readers, encouraging them to reflect on their own lives and habits.
One of the strengths of the novel is its ability to tackle complex themes in a lighthearted and entertaining way. The author's use of humor and anecdotes makes the book feel more like a conversation with a friend than a traditional self-help guide.
Conclusion
"La mala costumbre" by Alana S. Portero is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that invites readers to reflect on their own habits and choices. Through its relatable protagonist and accessible writing style, the book offers a unique blend of humor, introspection, and self-help. As a result, it is recommended for readers interested in personal growth, self-awareness, and exploring the human experience.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Recommendation: This book is suitable for readers who enjoy introspective fiction, self-help, and humor. Fans of authors like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Malcolm Gladwell may appreciate Portero's writing style and thematic explorations.
The Sacred and the Profane: Identity and Class in La mala costumbre
Alana S. Portero’s debut novel, La mala costumbre, is more than a simple coming-of-age story; it is a "trans bildungsroman" that intertwines the visceral reality of working-class Madrid with the mythic struggles of self-realization. By setting the narrative against the backdrop of the post-Francoist heroin epidemic and the gritty streets of the San Blas neighborhood, Portero elevates the struggle for identity into a universal "odyssey" for belonging.
The Intersection of Class and GenderA central pillar of the novel is the inextricable link between the protagonist’s gender identity and her working-class upbringing. Portero, a historian herself, portrays a neighborhood that is "exhausted"—where families love their children but lack the "tools," time, or education to understand a trans identity because they are consumed by 12-hour workdays. The narrator feels trapped not just by her body, but by a social environment that has "no place for her," where being queer often leads to social or physical exile.
Mythic Realism and the "Fallen Angel"Portero uses a distinct literary style that blends brutal realism with mythic allusions. The neighborhood is populated by "fallen angels" and secondary characters who are given mythical doubles:
Marguerita: A middle-aged trans woman who serves as a captivates but frightening "lodestar" for the narrator.
The Neighborhood: Described through a lens that turns the mundane into the legendary, the prose is noted for its "lyrical beauty" and ability to find "sacredness" in the "profane".This elevated language allows the narrator to find dignity and "self-worth" in a world that denies it to her. Alana S. Portero: Bad Habit and Beyond — ZERO.NINE
La mala costumbre (translated as Bad Habit) by Alana S. Portero is a critically acclaimed coming-of-age debut that follows an unnamed trans woman growing up in a working-class Madrid neighborhood during the 1980s and 90s. Core Themes & Atmosphere
Intersectionality: The novel is praised for its nuanced exploration of the intersection between gender identity and social class. It depicts a "godforsaken" suburb where being queer makes one an outcast, set against the backdrop of Spain's post-Franco transition and the heroin epidemic.
Sisterhood & Chosen Family: Reviewers frequently highlight the theme of "queer sisterhood," noting how the protagonist finds refuge and guidance through older trans women and marginalized communities in downtown Madrid.
Prose Style: Portero's writing is described as a blend of raw realism and poetic lyricism. She uses "mythic allusions"—assigning secondary characters mythical doubles like Bluebeard or Joan of Arc—to elevate the often bleak narrative. Reader & Critical Reception La mala costumbre by Alana S. Portero - Goodreads
La mala costumbre (Bad Habit) by Alana S. Portero is a critically acclaimed coming-of-age novel depicting a trans woman's journey through 1980s and 90s working-class Madrid. The narrative highlights themes of identity, trans sisterhood, and the search for acceptance, often utilizing raw realism mixed with mythical imagery. Read a full review at The Guardian
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A feature on Alana S. Portero's La mala costumbre (English title:
) would highlight it as a raw, poetic coming-of-age story centered on the trans experience in working-class Madrid during the 1980s and 90s. Key Features for a Review or Feature Article Alana S. Portero presents Bad Habit - Instituto Cervantes Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: Is there an
Alana S. Portero's " La mala costumbre " is a powerful coming-of-age story that follows a trans woman finding her identity in working-class Madrid, navigating a hostile world while forging a path of resilience. The novel blends gritty realism with poetic reflection, tracing her journey from childhood in San Blas to embracing her true self and finding a sense of arrival.
La Mala Costumbre: Un Análisis Profundo de la Obra de Alana S. Portero
Introducción
En el mundo de la literatura contemporánea, la obra "La Mala Costumbre" de Alana S. Portero ha generado un gran impacto en la audiencia y la crítica. Esta novela, publicada recientemente, ha logrado capturar la atención de lectores de todas las edades y géneros, gracias a su narrativa envolvente y su exploración profunda de temas universales. En este artículo, nos sumergiremos en el análisis de "La Mala Costumbre", descubriendo sus características más destacadas y el impacto que ha tenido en el público.
Sinopsis
"La Mala Costumbre" es una novela que gira en torno a la vida de una protagonista cuyo nombre no se revela hasta avanzado el libro. La historia sigue su trayectoria mientras navega por una relación tumultuosa y adictiva con una persona que se convierte en su pareja y, a su vez, en su verdugo. A medida que avanza la trama, la protagonista se ve envuelta en un ciclo de abuso y dependencia, del que intenta liberarse a través de un proceso de autoconocimiento y crecimiento personal.
Temas Principales
El Abuso y la Dependencia: La novela explora de manera cruda y realista la dinámica de una relación abusiva. Portero no se anda con rodeos al mostrar cómo el abuso puede ser emocional, psicológico y físico, dejando al descubierto las complejas emociones que atan a la víctima al agresor.
La Identidad y el Autoconocimiento: A lo largo de la historia, la protagonista emprende un viaje de autodescubrimiento. Su travesía no solo la lleva a comprender la naturaleza de su relación, sino también a encontrar su propia identidad y a valorar su libertad.
La Resiliencia: Uno de los aspectos más destacados de "La Mala Costumbre" es la forma en que la autora aborda la capacidad de resiliencia del ser humano. La protagonista, a pesar de enfrentar situaciones extremas, encuentra la fuerza para seguir adelante y luchar por su bienestar.
Análisis Literario
La escritura de Alana S. Portero en "La Mala Costumbre" se caracteriza por su sencillez y profundidad. La autora utiliza un lenguaje directo y accesible, lo que hace que la historia sea fácil de seguir y entender. Sin embargo, no por ello pierde profundidad; al contrario, consigue explorar temas complejos con una madurez y sensibilidad admirables.
La estructura de la novela, con sus capítulos cortos y cronología no lineal, contribuye a mantener al lector en vilo. Portero maneja con habilidad los tiempos verbales y los giros argumentales, evitando que la trama se vuelva predecible.
Impacto en el Público
"La Mala Costumbre" ha resonado profundamente en el público. Los lectores han respondido de manera emotiva a la historia, agradeciendo la representación realista y sensible de temas que a menudo son silenciados o banalizados. La novela ha generado conversaciones importantes sobre el abuso, la salud mental y la importancia de buscar ayuda.
Conclusión
"La Mala Costumbre" de Alana S. Portero es una obra maestra de la literatura contemporánea que no solo entretiene sino que también educa y sensibiliza. A través de su relato crudo y emocional, Portero nos recuerda la importancia de la empatía, la resiliencia y el autoconocimiento. Esta novela es una lectura esencial para aquellos interesados en la psicología humana, el crecimiento personal y la literatura que marca la diferencia.
La mala costumbre by Alana S. Portero has emerged as one of the most significant literary events in recent years, capturing the hearts of readers far beyond its original Spanish borders. When searching for La mala costumbre - Alana S. Portero.epub, readers are often looking for a way to carry this visceral, poetic journey with them on their digital devices. The novel is much more than a simple coming-of-age story; it is a brutal and beautiful exploration of identity, class, and the resilience of the human spirit. Set against the backdrop of San Blas, a working-class neighborhood in Madrid, the story navigates the complexities of growing up trans in an environment that is often hostile to anything that deviates from the norm.
The narrative follows a protagonist who struggles with what she calls a bad habit, which is the act of pretending to be someone she is not. This performance of masculinity is a survival mechanism, a shield against the violence and misunderstanding of the world around her. Portero writes with a raw honesty that makes the reader feel the weight of every secret and the ache of every silenced desire. The setting of San Blas in the eighties and nineties is rendered with such vivid detail that it becomes a character in its own right. It is a place of grey concrete, heroin-ravaged streets, and the constant hum of struggle, yet it is also where the protagonist finds pockets of magic and community.
One of the most striking elements of the book is its focus on sisterhood and the chosen families that queer people often build. The protagonist is guided by a series of women, both cis and trans, who provide her with the tools to understand herself. These mentors offer a different kind of education, one that isn't found in school but in the dark corners of bars and the quiet intimacy of shared secrets. Portero does not shy away from the tragedies of the era, particularly the devastation of the AIDS crisis and the systemic poverty that gripped her neighborhood. However, the book is never defined solely by trauma. It is infused with a lyrical quality that elevates the mundane into the mythical.
The popularity of the digital version, specifically the La mala costumbre - Alana S. Portero.epub file format, speaks to the book's wide reach. It allows a new generation of readers to access a story that feels both timeless and urgently modern. Portero’s prose is sophisticated yet accessible, blending high-brow literary references with the slang and grit of the streets. She manages to capture the specificities of the Spanish transition to democracy while touching on universal themes of belonging and self-actualization. The novel serves as a powerful reminder that the journey to becoming oneself is often paved with pain, but it is the most necessary journey a person can take.
In conclusion, La mala costumbre is a landmark work that challenges the reader to look closely at the structures of power and the beauty found in the margins. Whether you are reading it in a physical copy or as an epub on your e-reader, the impact of Alana S. Portero’s voice is undeniable. It is a story of survival, a tribute to those who didn't make it, and a celebration of the courage it takes to break the bad habit of living a lie. This book is an essential addition to contemporary literature, offering a perspective that is as necessary as it is unforgettable.
To help you explore more about this book or similar authors:
Analysis of specific themes (like San Blas or class struggle) Recommendations for other trans-authored Spanish literature Summaries of key chapters or characters
Portero writes in long, cascading sentences reminiscent of Argentine author Camila Sosa Villada (Las Malas). Her language is a hybrid: the crude slang of San Blas ("la poli," "el chungo," "las colegas") interwoven with lyrical, almost sacred beauty when describing a sunset over the industrial buildings.
Reading La mala costumbre - Alana S. Portero.epub allows you to search for terms. For example, search for the word "cuchilla" (blade) to see how many times the motif appears, or "seda" (silk) to find the moments of redemption.
