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A review by shewwimonster
The Danish Girl by David Ebershoff
4.0
I really loved the characterizations in this novel and the way Ebershoff captured the relationship between Greta and Einar/Lili. Usually I don't like when narratives switch between characters, but it added a depth here that we wouldn't have been able to get otherwise.
I do think that you have to come into this knowing that you're reading a novel and not allow yourself to get caught up in what may or may not be historically accurate. The author's note at the end might be worth a read first if this might be a hang up for you. This novel isn't a historical account by any means; instead, it's a beautiful look at the relationships and experiences of these characters and the meanings of personal identity.
The only thing that bothered me as a reader was the time jumps, but that's totally personal preference on my part. I tend not to like when the passage of time is summarized or mentioned in passing, but that only really bothers me when I want to be with the characters and really experience their lives together, so that also says a lot about the quality of the writing.
I do think that you have to come into this knowing that you're reading a novel and not allow yourself to get caught up in what may or may not be historically accurate. The author's note at the end might be worth a read first if this might be a hang up for you. This novel isn't a historical account by any means; instead, it's a beautiful look at the relationships and experiences of these characters and the meanings of personal identity.
The only thing that bothered me as a reader was the time jumps, but that's totally personal preference on my part. I tend not to like when the passage of time is summarized or mentioned in passing, but that only really bothers me when I want to be with the characters and really experience their lives together, so that also says a lot about the quality of the writing.