Very few stories are as rich as this. Going into the second novel, it added tremendous weight to know (and in a way have lived) the lore that occurred in the first book.

Lila and Lenu have me stressed at every turn. Their stories are so peculiar and singular yet written in such a way that it resonates with my human experience in an alarming amount of ways.

That’s not to mention the prose, the parallels & foreshadowing made; along with the thought provoking commentary on class, gender upbringing and love.

I will need to digest this one for a good while before diving into the next.