It took me a long time to get through this book. I think I started it four times and didn't get more than a third of the way through. It's not easy reading on lots of levels, not least because of the appalling stories in all of the characters' pasts. (I wanted to call them backstories, but they're not. It's all part of the same story.)
I finally set myself to finishing this in May/June this year and I'm glad I did. The use of language is amazing, the story heart-rending. And there's a touch of magical realism that means you don't quite know what's real and what isn't.
Not an easy read, but recommended.