The beginning of this book is sad. Somewhere in the middle I was confused about where it was going and felt, not surprisingly, lost in the woods. The final 3rd is pacy, gripping, and beautifully told. My heart ached for the boy who is the main focus of this tale. I don't agree with the comparison to The Road but adored the fusion of winter forest, historical truth, folk and fairy tale. Possibly one of my new favourite writers