This was a beautifully strange book, with great, complex characters, fully realized in their motivations, flaws, and growths. They will walk with me a while. I was really pleased with how well-crafted the entire narrative is, even though it is bizarre. But in the best ways, which isn’t something I think I knew was a possibility. Some of the historical figures and background were clumsily introduced, and a couple of the dramatic reveals really stretched credulity, but this was ultimately a wonderfully compelling read, and one I would recommend for those who don’t mind sitting in unease.