Orlando's Sleep: An Autobiography of Gender

Although Spry, a transsexual lesbian, has an unusual story to tell, the uneven and occasionally self-indulgent writing detracts from this otherwise engaging memoir. From the time of his boyhood in Australia, Jennifer (nee John) had a strong compulsion to dress in his mother's and sister's clothing. Spry spent years suppressing this desire and attempted to live as a normal male by marrying Laurie, an American woman, in 1974. The couple moved to the U.S. and adopted a baby boy. Despite their close friendship, Spry was unable to sustain a sex life with Laurie, who became aware of and upset by her husband's renewed desire to cross-dress, which he indulged whenever possible. Spry began treatment in preparation for a sex change, and the couple divorced in 1992, just a month before the surgery. The author now lives as a lesbian in Australia and is content with her identity. Spry describes the years of discriminatory treatment from some family members and credits those (including her ex-wife) who supported her struggle. (May)