It took me a long time to finish this book, because while I enjoyed the writing style and the two main character's journey, the amount of transphobic throwaway lines were too much for me. 
I definitely started to enjoyed it more in the last third; was constantly on edge about whether or not I would have to read about detailed sexual assault instances. Luckily that wasn't the case, it does get mentioned a fair amount though.
I understand it's based on historical figures, I guess it just wasn't for me. 
The ending was really soul wrenching and I shed a tear or two.
I'm glad I powered through and have gotten to experience the ending of this book.