I tried to read this in the spring, but my brain was not ready. Sat down today with a physical library copy and read it straight through. It was powerful, taut, and even if I wanted to stop and come back I was unable to until I knew how the story ended.

This novella is best enjoyed in tandem as the audiobook version sings the songs of Esther and Ysabel while the print version includes woodcut illustrations. A beautiful grown-up fairy tale.

I loved the first 2/3 of this book, but felt the ending was flat and rushed compared to how much effort was put into setting the scenes. Lots of description about food and restaurant life, but I also thought some extra bits were thrown in to move the story, but then never wrapped up.

I love, love, love the way Dusti Bowling writes characters and their inner thoughts. Conner’s story was heartbreaking yet hopeful, and I loved the real way he worked through his relationships. 

Quirky, road trip of a family of half siblings that didn’t know each other until the trip to find their absent father.