I cannot remember the last book I read in which I loved the characters so much. Over the course of four days my mind was drawn constantly to this book. I needed to know how the tensions and conflict would resolve, and even as my heart broke for the characters who lost the most, I couldn't help but feel this novel fulfilled its every promise. Near the book's end one of the principal characters meditates on how great work requires long labor, small advances, and humility. In those thoughts, the novel's worldview spins.