Beautifully grounded prose. There was an oppressive sense of sadness and loneliness for me throughout the book. It felt as if everything ceased to matter for Bell and Sigh except their routine. As if their routine and the increasing squalor of their home were the only things they could rely on and control. They retreated from family, friends, and society that could harm them to find meaning in each other and the nature surrounding them. Instead of finding meaning, they find security in conformity and a shrinking world until they become one. The idea of conflict and new experiences becoming overwhelming. There seems to be a sense of regret at what they could have and should have done. That if they had chosen a different path, and taken more chances, had more experiences outside of themselves, the world would not have fundamentally changed. They just may be happier in it. Just my thoughts, but I would definitely recommend.