Ratings6
Average rating3.8
A stunning first novel that probes the mysteries of sex, gender, and love with insight and subtletyInspired by the true story of Danish painter Einar Wegener and his California-born wife, this tender portrait of a marriage asks: What do you do when someone you love wants to change? It starts with a question, a simple favor asked of a husband by his wife on an afternoon chilled by the Baltic wind while both are painting in their studio. Her portrait model has canceled, and would he mind slipping into a pair of women's shoes and stockings for a few moments so she can finish the painting on time. "Of course," he answers. "Anything at all." With that, one of the most passionate and unusual love stories of the twentieth century begins.
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Too long for what it meant to tell. It almost feels like it narrates events over a span of 20 years, while the storyline really unfolds over 5 (and yes, I know there are flashbacks, I'm not talking about that).
Doesn't delve too deep - at least not as deep as I would have liked it to - on a lot of topics, e. g. the codependent relationship between Greta and Einar/Lili. Or why Carlisle suddenly decides to devote a great deal of time and energy to help Lili in her battle.
I appreciated the ending.