“If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more,”

—Henry Knightley, Esq., 1815 / Marquise, godmother-in-training, 2026.

I’ve had this problem for a couple of years now: every time I find a book that resonates with me completely and unconditionally earns all the stars, I’m at a loss for words. Last year, which was my worst year in decades in terms of reading, I still had two books like that which I loved so much I couldn’t write about them in the verbose way you’re used to read from me. And now this! The third book in two years that has left me speechless.

How exactly are you going to explain to everyone, some of whom will have tastes completely opposite to yours, why a story has resonated with you so deeply? It’s like trying to explain all the ingredients and their flavours and textures as you’re eating your favourite dish. You can do it, yes, but it detracts from the enjoyment, from the simple happiness of eating something you love.

Sometimes you just want to enjoy, bask in the sensations, and let it all go.

For me, this happens very rarely. I’m a very critical reader, which is why I can count this book as the third of its kind in two years. But I’m going to try to review this book as best I can.

Continue reading →