read: 28.04.19 - 05.05.19

Summary

It starts with a question, a simple favour asked by a wife of her husband while both are painting in their studio, setting off a transformation neither can anticipate. Uniting fact and fiction into an original romantic vision, The Danish Girl eloquently portrays the unique intimacy that defines every marriage and the remarkable story of Lili Elbe, a pioneer in transgender history, and the woman torn between loyalty to her marriage and her own ambitions and desires.

Review

This book was a real experience to read. I don't think I've read a book as gorgeous as this in a long time.

Firstly, the writing was beautiful. Ebershoff has a wonderful way of storytelling, and I felt like I really got stuck into the story and the characters because of the way he writes. There were so many moments in the book where I saw Lili go through 'lightbulb' moments, where she would start to understand more and more things about herself.

I also loved the characterisation. None of the characters were perfect, and that's what made them feel so real. You see Gerta grapple with this new situation she finds herself in, and that was a really special part of the book because it felt so raw and authentic.

It was a book I could sit and read for hours, and I thought it was just such a beautiful book.

rating: 10/10