I'm not sure why I didn't read this sooner, its legendary and for good reason. The story is heartbreaking, every character is scarred and broken. Gradually the reasons and circumstances of their wounds are shown to us, as are the ways they try to cope or are unable of coping. There is an aunt who acts like poison, infiltrating every situation and turning it sour.
The characters are struggling with each other, but also with circumstances, Roy shows with total clarity the human cost of politics and customs. The book is dark, but it is also very funny in places, and the descriptive passages are original, lyrical and evocative. It is a pleasure to read, despite the darkness and it feels important.
