I spent a lot of this book not sure where it was going but thoroughly enjoying the journey and I think that's the best way to look at it. Some of the details and plot points may seem to not lead anywhere, but they all add up to the emotional core of the story.

It's the story of a family, with all it's social dysfunction and messy history. Characters go from unlikeable to sympathetic, from loveable to infuriating and back again. They are large characters but their flaws make them feel real. 

A big portion of the book is told from a child's perspective and even when these characters grow up and things get more serious, there's still a sense of childish wonder underpinning everything. There's still humour even in the dark moments and I was not prepared for how emotional I would ultimately find it.