silvertongue

I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did, but I was glad to be proven wrong.
It is a very poetical book, but not forcefully so: while much effort was put into creating a dream-like atmosphere, it doesn't come off as trying too hard. The writing is really good, the only thing I found a bit off was the use of the present tense. While I was reading, I hoped there was some reason for this particular choice, but it makes even less sense after it is revealed that the Narrator was Widget all along. I'd expect someone who's talking about his life in a conversation to use the past.
Many characters may seem quirky and a bit flat at first, but almost everyone gets hidden depths. So much that I ended up liking the ensemble more than Celia and Marco. Actually they're not bad characters, but their romance was kind of... bland?
I understand why the author included their love story, I really do. It added some more tension. I still can't help wishing she had found a way that involved less swooning over each other (and I can think of some, so it mustn't be so difficult). Especially since Celia herself states Marco reminds her of her father (who is an abusive douche). Squick.
I would have liked to see more of the friendship between the kids.