A powerful book that explores how art is perceived and the cost of war. It took me until 30% before I was hooked, I didn't really feel invested in the characters until the book started to explore its main themes. The cast of characters was unique with so many interesting voices. The audiobook cast did a fantastic job and gave so much depth to the characters. This book left me thinking about how so many people grasp at life vs. how many people ACTUALLY live a life they want.  An intriguing read.

I was sorely disappointed by this book. After pushing through the stumbling beginning chapters, I was confronted with a change in narrative, and this accelerated onto the book's golden hour - the middle section, where the plot 'thickens' and the reader is gripped by mystery. However, the often beautiful prose and inspiring narrative is hastily tied together in the final chapters, with a sudden switch in values and an ending embued with fulity. I would give this book more credit for its highlights - complex narrative which slowly unravels, and the exploration of British Empire and migration - were it not for the fatal conclusion with passing comments on the inevitability of deception and transient nature of relationships; these themes were explored throughout the book yet with little subtly or maturation. The individuality of the characters' personalities felt unnatural, almost exaggerated, and did not pair well with the numerous triggering, graphic moments.

Enjoyable. The part that has stuck with me most is the mood of southern Spain right before the Civil War.