A fairytale-esque little coming-of-age story. The book addresses some heavier themes, such as classism, the societal pressure to conform and fit in, and chosen family. The story comes across as almost whimsical, viewed through the rose-colored perspective of childhood. The choice to tell the story from a child's point-of-view added a great tone to the story and left a lot up to the reader to interpret. 

Although told from the perspective of twelve-year-old Miguel, the story's center of gravity is his uncle, Ramón, an eccentric man who lives according to his own whims, much to the dismay of his family and the community around him. Ramón is almost like a character in a fable; hazy rumors surround him and his quirky one-line philosophical musings stay with those he interacts with. 

Of course, not everyone is accepting of a hermit who lives in a billboard, so when the rumor mill turns increasingly hateful, Ramón makes an easy scapegoat to pin everything on. With the perspective of a child who doesn't quite understand the depth of social politics (he, like any other kid, only goes to the housing council meetings for the free sandwiches), it leaves room for the reader to reflect on the consequences of choosing to go against the grain.

María José Ferrada's writing is lyrical, poetic, and the translation by Elizabeth Bryer is done with love and care. It's the kind of book I'm so grateful was translated, but also the kind of book I'm so sad that I will never be able to read and absorb in its mother tongue.

Obviously, the symbolism of birds are sprinkled throughout in thoughtful ways that only add to the contemplative tone.

I found the pair of main characters to be incredibly fun, and it made the story easy-going and quick, though the actual events of the story are actually quite tragic.