This book has clever, brilliant writing with intertwining narratives, and dry humor. The characters are relatable (although not particularly likeable) and you find yourself genuinely sad for their pain and tribulations. The only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is Imelda's sections could have been about half as long if she wasn't written to simply repeat EVERYTHING any other character said to her. All her sections were SO arduous, I would need to stop reading for awhile until I had the energy to get through her 5 page narrative for every. Single. Thought....