A compelling story based on the true life of Einar Wegenar's transition from male to female, and his wife who stayed loyal to him and supported him throughout. The theme is presently one that is discussed and being better understood in today's society of identity.

The writing however irked me a little. Ebershoff does an amazing job of creating the atmosphere of Paris, Copenhagen and Dresden in the early 1920s and 30s, but everything is described in similes. Too many times it felt long-winded and unnecessary, which almost made me want to stop reading.

Regardless of this I think its an important book because of the issues it discusses, and how delicately done it is.

Compassionate, elegant and human, this story is extremely well-handled. Every shade of sensitivity is here.

Really enjoyed this book. The history of transgender people is something I know little about and I found it fascinating to read this book, and experience it through her eyes and her wife's. The book was very descriptive and poetic.