This is an enchanting book. It's intensely atmospheric and even somewhat dreary, but that just adds to the story. I don't know how I'd feel about this if I'd read about it as a child. As an adult, it's a haunting story that deals with real issues that children face. It's filled with simple, delightful metaphors and, really, is a coming of age story that is very different to all others that I've ever come across. Well, as different as a coming of age story can be. 
 This is highly recommended.