According to this review: "Denise Tilling writes of her transition from boyhood in wartime
England to womanhood in the 1990s New Zealand. It is a story of courage and determination: initially the determination to avoid cross-gendered feelings at almost any cost, and, finally, the determination
to live openly as a woman. A casual reader, who by-passed this book because of its uninviting cover and title, would certainly be missing out. Going beyond the cover and title, the reader encounters a story told with sensitivity, warmth and humour. In an age of ever-increasing public interest in transsexuality, this is perhaps the first transsexual autobiography to be published in New Zealand."
"Denise, born David, entertains the reader with David's endless efforts to avoid confronting his gender conflict from heavy drinking, through desperate attempts at marriage, and repeated escapes to sea. Despite being captivated by Denise's warmth and humour, one is frequently reminded of the deeper emotions at play. In re-calling her story, the author skilfully interweaves the jovial, playful aspects of her personality with intensely painful recollections: memories of fear, doubt and the deep loneliness which accompanies self-denial. As Denise's hormone treatment started to take visible effect, she knew that her life as a British Ship's Officer - one of the blokes,
always in for a few drinks and a laugh - was about to shatter. Ultimately, her decision to undergo gender transition and settle in New Zealand was spurred on by a tragedy. During one of David's earlier
shipping voyages, he had become friends with a Danish radio officer who, like David himself, secretly cross-dressed. David discovered their similarity too late..."
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