I picked up this book because the idea of the central characterI picked up this book because the idea of the central character's constant encounters with back to back illnesses intrigued me. I was disappointed when this was not a focus of the book but I was still entertained with the style of the book. I enjoyed the way the author wrote, the phrases she used and the imagery she created with her words. I did not care for the format of the book, as I found the dialogue a bit hard to follow with the changing of character point of view. I enjoyed the book; however, I gave it a 3 as I was very disappointed with the end. The book seemed to end abruptly with all loose ends being tied together in one short space. I also found the book's subject to be a bit fantastical and hard to follow. I would recommend this book for people who enjoy the rich use of words but not to one looking for a good, well developed plot.

Broadly speaking, I tend to think that the federal government should steer clear of subsidizing the arts. There's a risk of entrenching taste hierarchies, and subsidizing those already rich in cultural capital. Why do that? But if it were up to me, a goodly portion of my tax dollars would go towards subsidizing the mad genius of Andrea Seigel. This books, despite its fantastic nature, is so honest that it left me with a lump in the throat.

Also, I'm (theoretically) in love with the idea of Andrea Seigel, so it could be that my judgment is skewed. All the same, that's my story and I'm sticking with it.