Had this book on my shelves for over a year now... I can't believe it took me so long to finally get around to reading it! Nice break from some of the lighter fare I've been gulping down lately (mostly YA fic). It was easy to instantly fall in love with the characters, despite their flaws and some mildly irritating whinging -- perhaps too often combined with deep philosophical viewpoint comparisons and literary references that I'm sure flew right over my ignorant little head, but whatever. Liked all the little French touches, and the way that certain elements of Japanese culture were tied in as well. This is the kind of book that begs to be read with a cup of good tea or wine.