Exquisitely written. The author plays with time in the characters' lives in a way that captivates and recaptivates the reader's interest throughout the entirety of the book. The character development is excellent and unbiased as different perspectives and moments in time are used to unveil who they are. Literary praise aside, the story is intriguing and goes deep into the "absurdities", as the author puts it, that surround the war in Chechnya and life afterward, showing an incredibly interesting, yet devastating display of human desperation… I could go on, but just read this book! Finally I will say that the title of the book is perfect for the way it's written and the stories it tells.