A Real Doll by A.M. Homes

Where's Ken? Ken's dead, baby.

I will never look at Barbie dolls the same way again. 

I recently reviewed another short story centered around Barbie dolls, Barbie-Q by Sandra Cisneros, but that story couldn't be more different from A Real Doll by A.M. Homes. While Barbie-Q explores themes of innocence, play, and economic struggle, A Real Doll takes a far darker and shocking approach related to male sexual adolescence.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to read a story that captures the unhinged chaos of male puberty, gender power dynamics, and a deeply unsettling relationship with a Barbie doll—well,  look no further. This short story takes the awkward, hormonal nightmare of boyhood and cranks it up to eleven, tossing in a hefty dose of absurdity. Yet, it's shockingly explicit depiction of young male sexuality is surprisingly honest. It would not surprise me in the slightest that the first exposure to female anatomy and sex for many young boys was with a barbie doll. 

The premise is as wild as it sounds: a young boy develops an intimate, obsessive, and deeply problematic relationship with his sister’s Barbie doll. Yes, that kind of relationship. It starts off as innocent childhood curiosity but quickly spirals into something much darker, blurring the lines between fantasy, desire, and control.  The boy also encounters a Ken doll, which he first perceives as a rival for Barbie’s affection, stirring feelings of jealousy and competition. However, as he observes Ken’s sculpted features and idealized masculinity, his fascination deepens. This curiosity evolves into a profound exploration of his own developing sexuality, as he grapples with feelings he doesn’t entirely understand. Or maybe his uncontrollable sexual urges cannot be contained. Despite the serious subject matter, Homes keeps a deadpan tone that somehow makes it all even more disconcerting. 

What makes A Real Doll so memorable (and, honestly, hard to shake off) is the way it exposes the bitter realities of growing up male in a patriarchal society. The boy’s interactions with Barbie aren’t just about uncontrollable lust; rather, it's more about asserting power, domination, and the way boys are socialized to view women as mere objects—literally, in this case. Homes doesn't let the reader look away, forcing us to sit with the uncomfortable reality of a culture that encourages these dynamics, starting in childhood.

Homes pushes boundaries with a raw and unflinching portrayal of desire, identity, and adolescent confusion. But despite how unsettling it is, the story is also strangely humorous in a dark, oh-god-why-am-I-reading-this-and-laughing kind of way. There’s a surreal absurdity to the whole thing that makes it feel both exaggerated and painfully real. A Real Doll is the kind of story that burrows under your skin and stays there, a stark reminder that many boys grow up into men that value women only as sexual conquests, shaped by ingrained misogyny. 

Through vivid metaphors and disturbing imagery (some that will remain imprinted on my mind for a very long time), Homes crafts a narrative that is both bold and unfiltered. She leans into moments of discomfort, capturing the awkwardness of adolescence with a mix of humor and raw honesty. The result is a story that’s as cringeworthy as it is compelling. Love it, hate it, or squirm through it, you won't be forgetting A Real Doll any time soon. 

You can read this story HERE.