An inventive historical novel that delves into the mysteries of gender identity, from the National Book Award-nominated author of The Balloonist. With a foreword by Michael Chabon As a child in Southern California at the dawn of the twentieth century, Herma exhibits an incredible talent for vocal mimicry. Her gift will eventually take her from the choir of her country church to the Paris Opera, thanks in no small part to the machinations of her daredevil agent. But there is a secret at the heart of their intimate relationship, in this opulent rags-to-riches tale full of excitement, sexual intrigue, and decadence, with cameos by Puccini and Proust, among others

Mode of access: World Wide Web