Ebershoff's writing is absolutely beautiful, and his descriptions are mesmerizing. The story is compelling, and relatively enjoyable. However, the characters were rather flat, and it took me longer than I liked to finish this book. I believe it's going to make a better film than book. 
 I did like that Einar had such a strong support group, something that most transitioning people don't have. While I liked that bit, I was also a little irritated with it- it was so perfect. They found a doctor, the issue of money was never brought up, and Greta's struggles with Einar's change to Lili didn't become an issue/feel like a betrayal for Greta until Lili wanted to go back and have uterus surgery. 
 Overall rating is 3.5.