Wow. This was intense. This has been on my TBR  for a while, and it was so worth the wait. But also, WHY HAVEN'T I READ THIS SOONER?! Andrew Joseph White managed to make me feel equal parts horrified, empowered, terrified, and seen. The trans, queer, autism, and neurodivergent rep were amazingly well done. It was an interesting experience to see that rep depicted in a historical setting that didn't have the names we know today. The author did a wonderful job of portraying this historical story in a way that also relates well to a contemporary audience. We see issues of misogyny (BIG TIME), transphobia, homophobia, and so much more in this story. It's definitely rough at times, so take heed of the author's note and the various TWs. This is a deeply intense and emotional read, with many depictions of body horror, non-consensual medical experimentation, miscarriage, abortion, and SA. This story hits hard, and I was here for it. This shows what I can only describe as both trans and feminine rage in a society that saw women as less than, that did not accept trans people as valid, and treated neurodivergent people as something that needs to be fixed. In all the struggles and darkness of the story, our protagonist, Silas, finds acceptance and a family of his own that will truly accept him for who he is. I absolutely loved this story. It was such a crazy and emotional adventure, and I'm so glad I finally took the plunge and read it.