What saved this book was the incredibly strong ending; if I had to just rate the story without it, I would have given it a 2 - if I had to rate the ending only, I would have given it a 4... hence the average of both of 3. 
 There were two major flaws that makes it impossible for me to truly like the story: the unlikable characters and the low probability of both of them suffering to such an extent. Nothing was spared - they literally lived it all in a space of 5 years, especially Vianne. The final chapters were excruciating reading and instead of leaving the reader satisfied, it left one feeling empty... as if the whole horrible journey was for nothing. 
 Many seemed to have enjoyed it, but I guess I can't be counted among their numbers.