I enjoyed this book, especially as it got going towards the end. It had a Secret Friend (by Donna Tartt) darkness to it that balanced out the rest of the story. I loved the sprinkling of Deutsch Sprechen sprinkled throughout, as well as the eerie German-stlye fairytales (which are darker and more horrific than our American counterparts). 
 (view spoiler)[I kind of wished that there was some actual magical realism in this story--Pluto as a witch (or warlock), the fairy tales coming to life, etc. Alas, it was all real, and enjoyable, but I do love a bit of fantasy mixed in with my literature. (hide spoiler)]