The hype was understated. 

This is such a fantastic book that I wanted to disappear into it and never return. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t find anything to criticise in these magical pages. I read it in less than twenty four hours, unwilling to put it down for longer than necessary, and for once not distressed by the insomnia that meant I was awake to keep reading long after I should have been asleep.
 
This is a masterclass in myth re-telling, characterisation and creating of place. I am uncertain that I can praise it enough. Between this and Hild, which I read last month, I feel like I’ve been given a map for the sort of writing that I want to produce myself, writing that takes you elsewhere and brings you back changed. It is remarkable.