I didn't expect much from this book when I first picked it up - I expected a saga-type novel. But it was so, so far away from this. It was emotional and moving and captivating and completely unputdownable. This is a hearty novel that really allows you to get involved with the characters and place and their lives and their emotions affected me so much!! I felt Sara's and Juan's sadness and loneliness so acutely so divine was the writing. This is a very enriching novel and one I would highly recommend that you pick up and read. It's a shame it hasn't had more widespread recognition because it is easily so much better than other novels that are out there at the moment.