Beautifully drawn characters, gripping emotional interactions, and eventually a fun simple central plot to tie them together. The work is compelling. I enjoyed one of its themes: Despite your own deafening self-pity which aptly keeps you paranoid of what other’s think; other people are simply too wrapped up in their own shortcomings to put as much attention on your insecurities as you do. That’s a pretty cool theme. Eventually, though, the book strays a bit from it.

Murdoch writes with richness. I enjoyed the bell caper and symbolism, the reflections on the imperfect self, religion, life. And I enjoyed the book itself, while I was reading it. That said, I don’t feel it’s something that will stay with me.

“We can only learn to love by loving.”

Read more Book Reviews by Author/Illustrator Ross Anthony.