Well obviously there's something mystic about this book.. Something so obscure yet eerily beautiful.. And so far I've not been able to grasp that..But I must say that I found myself resonate with the protagonist Richard really very well, expect for the moment when he approach 'them' for the first time (like I was internally screaming NOOO, as I did knew it would end with his doom) I just felt all his actions were simply justified. The thirst to prove yourself, struggling to fit in yet trying hard not to, hesitancy for asking help, a people pleasing innateness, thoughtful, avoiding confrontation as much as possible.. Well, he was indeed a simple and humane character. Yet, I believe it's the feral and raw flaws of these characters and the way the author makes me justify their mistakes are the ones that I love the most about this book. Of course I expected something unexpected at the end but may be this might be the right one..!