There are so many reviews on this book, so I'll just jot a few thoughts.

It's long and meandering. If you're hoping for a fast-paced fantasy, this isn't the read for you. If you're hoping for a moderate-paced fantasy, also not for you.

That said, the book seems to acknowledge this itself and makes the slow journey to the 'present' interesting and quite humorous. When a peripheral character can move me to tears, it's a good story.

Recommend for winter months when you're feeling like settling in for long periods of time. :)