A deeply absorbing work. The patterns of stories, re-tellings, the intricacies of the stories, and the deeply sad human condition, all measured with a cheerfulness that contradicts the depth of seriousness. I was both absorbed by the quality of the writing (and the translation) and by the exquisite sadness. To be read once a decade. If one can wait ten years to re-visit.

Very few books go this deeply into the imaginative space of grief which such eloquence. Roubaud (and in this case, a translation by Waldrop) has made his way to the underworld, and he too looked back. But he brings what he lost with him to the page.

I was deeply moved by this exquisite and harrowing work of literary fiction. So many of the images and passages have stuck with me. I grew to care deeply for the three main characters – particularly for Carlotta, the heartbreaking narrator, but also for her two exceptional parents – both of whom kept doing alienating things -- to each other and to Carlotta. They were so utterly human, so complete and fragile. I loved Baker's beautiful quality and control of language – on par with the best lyrical fiction — and the remarkably rich sensory world she has created I have never been to Whitby, but she conjured it with real force. I have to say that Lori Baker's ability to bring art and science to life made this book a particular favorite. I loved the way she described the process of making glass creatures, and explored the artistic process -- and did so while also conveying a naturalist's careful cataloguing of the world and its component parts. This is one of those rare books where I was emotionally spent when I finished – it was a truly beautiful and cathartic experience.