I appreciate the heart of this story a ton, and it's intense layers.
Like Shrek, its an onion (it has layers!!!), and like an onion, it made me cry. Sob. Several times. Chunky Studio Ghibli tears.
On top of that, as someone who's usually not a fan of following action scenes in novels, this fucking rocked on that front too. It maybe changed my thoughts on it altogether. It can be good people! This is the first I've ever read a book like this and I easily stayed engaged the whole time. I never, not once, knew what was coming next either.

It had it's moments that could have been omitted, especially for its length, but overall a solid emotional ride well navigated and executed. This book has brought my soul something necessary and unreplicable that I'll be ruminating on for the next few weeks. Definitely a new M. L. Wang fan.

PS I love u Setsuko i am free on thursday night thursdays i am free