Magical realism at its best. I like the hodgepodge of grief, living a lie for others’ expectations, and needing to put yourself out there. This story also stressed me a bit. There’s a section where second-hand embarrassment is palatable.

The plotline with the mom is only hinted at.

We don't know if she was abusive or prone to depressive episodes where she took her frustrations out on her son.

Another story would've resolved this, but Ditching Saskia takes a different route.

But good reading experience overall