I loved this tale - again it subverted my expectations - I was expecting a romantic love story - however, this was much more powerful. It tells instead the stories of family ties and familial love, as well love between two people in difficult circumstances. Its told through the eyes of two main characters, which I also enjoyed as a style - it divided the book up very clearly and the two perspectives often crossed over in interesting ways. I loved the inclusion of lists throuhgout. Overall, I think what I fell in love with first was the writing - so well written, lyrical, beautiful. A tale for all time.