What an excellent book! The descriptions of the scenes is vibrant. And the characters have a full range of likeable and not so likeable qualities - human. But most of all, the pain of the central character was palpable. I felt for her throughout her ordeal. Sometimes I was angry that she didn't show more resolve to "get on with" it. But her pain was at a depth that's difficult for most of us to relate to or comprehend. I kept reading and hoping she would find a way out of her hell. And yet there was also humor and warmth in the story. The plot was magical. A wonderful story.