Now personally I would say this novel has always felt like a traditional dark fairy tale (in the style of the Brothers Grimm) rather than a “Y/A story“.

Its depth is, from my reading of it, kind of unique in that it is very dependent on how much is read into the subtext and how much is read into what is left unsaid. I found it more unsettling the more I reflected on it, like going down a rabbit hole or gradually seeing an unsettling pattern or figure in what appears to be an ordinary image.

However, I can see how this novel could be clunky and boring with unlikeable characters to some. I think it just depends on how much is read into what is not directly said and whether or not you can relate to the main character.