April Ashley's Odyssey

In order to survive the kind of hypocrisy sometimes displayed by otherwise tolerant people when faced with the subject of a sex change, a very resilient sense of humour is called for. This April Ashley has in abundance. When her privacy was invaded in 1961, she was a top London model and rising social star.

In this outstanding collaboration with friend and writer Duncan Fallowell, the descriptions of social scenes positively sparkle. This is an emotional and dramatic story as well. We encounter the Liverpool slum where a young boy was relentlessly bullied and beaten senseless by his peers; the suicide attempts; then escape to London, and soon after, to Paris. Then the decision was made. Toni flew to Casablanca. The operation and its psychological effects are described in moving detail.

This is a marvellous, joyful life despite its harrowing obstacles. The book reflects tremendous wit and warmth, a great deal of wisdom and, most of all, generosity of spirit.