The Map of Us was a really pleasant surprise. It was quite different than the Eleanor’s and Harold's this may be linked with. Nothing particularly tragic happens, and there is no great need for catharsis and a good cry.
The book is made up of short, discrete, chapters. Although there is a literal, and metaphorical map, in the book, it felt more like a patchwork quilt. The reader is introduced to a number of disparate pieces, which are cleverly woven together towards the end of the book.
For me, Violet, in her big house, with a head full of dreams, and Tilly, who sees the world through statistics, are very similar. They understand the world through a different prism to most people. The Map of Us allows them to triumph through their odd way of doing things, and improve the world around them.
There is a pleasing menagerie of lovely characters. I particularly liked Sidney, who helps Violet with her vile brother David, a real pantomime villain. To quote Philip Henslowe in Shakespeare in Love:
“Love and a bit with a dog, that's what they want.”