Because sadness is the truest emotion... Happiness isn't to be trusted. It's a bald-faced liar. But the truth of your sadness enriches every other thing inside you, especially your joy. You shouldn't be afraid to go to the place that makes you sad Molly Hook."

I had very high expectations for this book after absolutely loving Boy Swallows Universe and in a similar vein, it began as quite a slow burn until about a third of the way through. And safe to say, it was truly spectacular. Dalton is such a talent when it comes to imagery and what this tale evoked was colourful and quintessentially Australian. The characters were all brilliantly envisioned and conceived - they all had strong backstories, a clear sense of shape and purpose (I felt a particular affinity for Yukio).

There was a particular section of the narrative toward the end that felt slightly off balance with the majority of the story, but it wasn't so distracting that I found it a hindrance, just slightly odd.

4.5 stars.