Ragini Werner lives in the far north of the Netherlands. Her short fiction has appeared in literary magazines in the United States, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Becoming Janice, a sapphic coming-of-age story set in Amsterdam and London, follows her acclaimed debut novel, Revealing Philippa, a story of lesbian love and friendship set in the theatrical wilds of New Zealand. More Praise for Becoming Janice“Becoming Janice delivers. With its nuanced characters, solid narrative and detailed sense of place, this novel places Ragini Werner solidly on a list of some of the finest novelists of the day.” — Christopher Houston“Ragini Werner takes us on a Grand Tour of Lesbian Amsterdam as the 1980s dawn, ‘tarts and all,’ as Janice's gay friend Colin might say. She vividly evokes an era full of self-discovery with comedy and catastrophe, but also, eventually, with some quieter and more thoughtful conclusions that just might be what Janice has been needing to become Janice.” — Murray Edmond“It’s a wonderful coming of age story. Sometimes I found it hard to be sympathetic to Janice (she can be a real pushover and she let so many people take advantage of her) but I kept forgetting that she was so young. She doesn’t have much experience. But she does find her way, step by step, becoming stronger and bolder with each new adversity. I felt quite proud of her by the end of the story. Fab book cover too. I really liked it.” — Gael Spivak“You know you’re in the hands of a skilled writer when you start reading. A shy, but confirmed lesbian, Janice embarks on her OE in the late 70’s and her adventures in or without love are the basis of this tale. Ragini Werner has such a gift for evoking place and time. Amsterdam too comes alive as Janice falls in and out of bed! Janice blossoms, and then blooms. It is a story you will recognise. Enjoy!” — Kate JasonSmith“A gripping read, immersing the reader into a nomadic coming of age story. On the quest of belonging, we see Janice hope, fumble, be disappointed and above all grow as she navigates love and friendship. Janice’s (mis)adventures wouldn’t let me put the book down. I felt for Janice just as I have felt for friends navigating their early twenties. I am excited to read more from Ragini Werner.” — Lira Palmer“A moving story about the inescapable forces of love and friendship, along with the good and evil they can do. With her captivating prose, Ragini Werner takes the reader to witness the inner emotional world of Janice, a young woman who grapples with these forces in an effort to face herself, and to navigate between her needs, her desires, and those of an array of memorable characters. Full of enticing portrayals and good humor, this book is a pleasant invitation to remember that age-old adage: know yourself.”— Alberto Cortés Navarrete “Feeling unloved by her parents, Janice escapes their lack of interest in her by leaving her adopted country for Europe. Her voyage brings her joy, friendship and love but also emotional difficulties with their consequences as Janice discovers the realities of life and love. An honest, well-written book that makes very enjoyable reading.” — Mayanne MackayMore Praise for Revealing PhilippaFrom the first line, I was hooked. This book is written with confidence. It is well researched. As a result, the ebb & flow remains graceful, as in real life, not scripted. Each character brings us through a range of emotions. I have no affiliation with community theatre but it didn't matter. I could still relate.It is a human story we can all relate to in some form. It was the rabbit hole I needed to get lost down and I enjoyed it immensely. It was an easy read. I really hope this author writes another novel soon. She is a rare breed with a honed skill that shouldn't be kept from the adoring masses! — Veronica MulkeenMs. Werner showed great skill with language and she created a fascinating, detailed setting with a firm sense of location. Her decision to use community theater as her backdrop was intriguing, and I enjoyed what felt like an accurate glimpse behind the curtain. Her prose was elegant and flowing and she made excellent use of literary devices, drawing strong parallels between the lives of the characters and the plays they were performing. […] If you go into this story thinking of it in terms of Lesbian Fiction, you may love it. Or you may not. At the very least, you'll be able to appreciate the author's skill with the written word. — Jenna; excerpt of full review on GoodreadsRead more about this authorRead less about this author