This book is wonderfully depressing! The subtlety of the writing is exquisite, and the setting perfect; but it's actually TOO well-written, b/c I felt a terrible oppression as I read. Brilliant, but difficult emotionally to read.
The action and suspense are excellent, but there are far too few happy moments in the book. I love the old servant, MacKellar, as the narrator. He brings a hopeful perspective to the story, and has the perfect vantage point for insight into each character.