This book is legitimately laugh-out-loud funny, and I was so busy chuckling through the first half that I didn’t notice the story becoming increasingly somber and serious between the jokes. The stylised prose ensures it stays fast-paced and gripping. It’s very well done. I think Eleanor Catton may be a genius. I’ve now read all three of her novels this year and am eager for more ASAP. 

Obviously there’s a CW for adult/minor relationship and grooming as this is the central theme of the book. And though the tone remains light, there’s a lot of other confronting themes (which I won’t spoil), so go gently. 

But I should also warn there are a few ableist and homophobic slurs and some truly awful jokes. Most of the characters are teens and their colloquial dialogue can be quite offensive and ignorant, which is often jarring (even if it’s an accurate representation).