Book 59 reminded me along the whole way…

Book 59 reminded me along the whole way why I LOVE to read. It’s books like this — so gloriously dark and with so many amazing turns of phrase and such brilliant characterization! The sense of place and time is vividly palpable. Only potential issues: it might be deemed too sophisticated/old for the Newbery criteria, and the ending is a bit convenient and too “bright” in contrast with the mostly dark tone through the book.