Helpful Score: 10
I enjoyed this book very much. Bohjalian manages to take a controversial and, to some, off-putting topic and imbue it with humanity and immediacy. Not an "issue," but a personal (albeit socially constructed) struggle, the subject of transsexualism is handled deftly in this touching novel. I anticipated the "twist" at the end, but enjoyed watching it emerge, nonetheless. For some petty reason, the entire time I was reading this book I was distracted by wondering whether the NPR plot feature was devised merely to justify the book's exceedingly clever title.
Helpful Score: 5
What an incredible book! I was touched by the clarity and depth of the characters. Their individual complexity and the power of the whole is undeniable. I felt Dana was particularly well portrayed. Dealing with Transsexuality and gender differences is always difficult, but Bohjalian handles it remarkably and I was thouroughly impressed.
Helpful Score: 4
Well-written story of a MTF (male-to-female) transsexual who falls in love with a heterosexual woman *just before* he plans to undergo his sex-reassignment surgery. Tastefully told. Interesting plot twists. I enjoyed this book
Helpful Score: 4
This book totally took me by surprise but it ended up being a pleasant one. I really enjoyed it and it was very enlightening about the transsexual community.
Helpful Score: 4
Interesting premise but definitely not my favorite Bohjalian book. A lot of the plot - namely, the relationships between the key characters - just didn't ring true. This could have been a much better read than it was... I was disappointed.
