I think I'm getting used to Eliot's style, and I dont' mind the philosophical rabbit trails nearly as much. Her writing is deeply insightful and moving at times. The relationship between Maggie and her brother, Tom, was especially interesting, b/c I think we've all had love/hate relationships with our siblings, and the interaction between the two of them felt realistic and familiar.

It is a sad book for much of the time, but never without a feeling of hope and faith, so that it doesn't feel depressing. I thought the ending was very fitting, and ties things up nicely, although there is unpleasantness.