I don't really know what I just read. The foreword says it was written in and meant to be read in English, but it reads like a translated work. I feel like I'm missing some context or social implication in an idiom that didn't translate right. Burt, Shrubs, Jessica, and the other children do so much dangerous and violent stuff, but the only actions that are truly punished are Jessica and Burt's sexual actions that are as consentual as they can be considering the ages of the kids. Rudyard is an interesting character. Burt is right in his assessment of Dr. Nevele. He doesn't quite understand children and that upsets him. Rudyard did far better getting through to Burt. It's interesting how Burt's perspective of the adults around him changes as he assimilates into living in the Children's Trust Residence Center, especially Mrs. Cochrane's shift from antagonist to maternal figure. Burt is definitely a troubled child, but I don't think he's anywhere near intentionally malicious, nor is he a psychopath. This book is super weird, but overall not a bad read. I'm just still not sure how I feel about it. I understand how it could become a cult classic.