Unputdownable. Thomas Hobbes wrote that "the life of man, [is] solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short," and this seems true for most of the residents of Pagford in Rowling's beautifully and heartbreakingly rendered first adult novel. Most of the characters are quite selfish, and in their selfishness fail to acknowledge their responsibility for the downfall of those around them. Excellently written and vividly described, rich with allegory and symbolism. I was completely drawn in.