This beautifully written book is more than a story of a hermaphrodite. It is a rich family history interwoven with the history of Greek immigrants, as well as a history of life in the Detroit area from the early auto industry through the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s. I liked all the characters from the grandparents Desdemona and Lefty through the narrator, Cal/Callie.

:( Had to give it back to the library
(note to self when I get it back: pg. 260)

I have been bypassing this for a while as it is rather large, but decided to give it a go. Only read about 40 pages and so far it’s ok, but it doesn’t draw me in and make me want to read rather than do other stuff.
Okay I have finished this now and it is GREAT, highly recommended!

Astounding and wonderful. Cal is one of the most compelling narrators I’ve ever encountered, and the cast of secondary characters is beautifully fleshed out, particularly Desdemona and the Object.

Wonderful.

I keep starting this and then get sidetracked. The intro is great so far, but I can tell it will be a slow-mover. Incredible detail and humor…this’ll stay on my “consuming” list for now…

A very nicely-written novel. I very much enjoyed the narrator’s voice and the lightness with which most of the story is handled. I didn’t think the ending was as strong as the first 3/4s, though – a little bit rushed, and some of the timing was a little implausible. Still, well worth reading.

Really readable and makes one think about what gender and sex really mean or if they really have any place in society at all.

I couldn’t read this fast enough – wonderful book.

Definitely worth a read. I particularly enjoyed the beginning sections about Cal’s family history. Not overly biological, but provides enough detail to keep me from feeling like the author is holding back.

I’m adding to this entry 6 months after the fact…this was a great book! I don’t think I was clear enough about that the first time around.

I enjoyed the story at first but they it hit the romance between the brother and sister and I got annoyed. It seemed very forced and sudden, as if the brother just went, “hm…my sister’s pretty hot…I LOVE YOU!” So I stopped reading.

Engrossing, entertaining, and it puts to the test some of our social mores.

though it does have everything, as someone else here said, it’s not for everyone. i loved it.

(completed November 2004)

Great book, though it dragged some in the middle. Well written. The story gave me a lot to think about.

An excellent book. From the interesting story of the prime narrators journey from being a young girl and turning into a young boy (born a hermaphrodite) to his/her family’s history as an American epic – from the european / turkish area to Detroit, through Devils Night, and out to the Detroit Suburbs through three generations.

I’ve had this on my bookshelf for awhile, waiting for a chance to read it. I’ve only just started and already I’m intrigued and entertained.

(listening to the audible.com version on mp3)

(completed 2004/07/19)

Outstanding story… but I’m glad it’s over.

A very good novel with only minor flaws, largely having to do with an imbalanced voice.

Sorry, but I don’t see what all the fuss is about.

This was a pleasant story but I don’t know what all the fuss is about.

This book gets off to a slow start, but gradually drew me in, until I found myself thoroughly engaged in Cal’s story of self discovery as a hermaphrodite and human being.