This book is not the usual sort of book that I read, and through most of it I was overjoyed to find a book that seemed to let some sun shine straight out of the pages, with refreshing insights and descriptions that were only detailed just when it was needed. The characters leaped straight off the page and it was wonderful to see them grow. 
 **spoilers below** 
 But Harold's final stretch of his pilgrimage and his turn into confusion and depression was a turn I did not fully expect. And I don't think that the author quite achieved the cathartic experience with the final scene that seemed to have been intended. Upon finishing the book I could not help but see it as dark and sad, despite the ending. It's not a bad book, it just in my opinion has an unsatisfying ending that really was just disappointing.