I thank the author for an ARC!

It is quite hard to explain this book. Poetic, nonlinear and infused with gorgeous writing, the author takes huge creative risks writing a metaphyiscal experimental story that keeps the readers guessing every step of the way.

One recurring comment in other reviews is how every person will experience something very different when they read this book. Some will cry, others will nod in agreement, whereas I spent most of it scratching my head wondering when the main story was going to begin.

It is funny in a way how reminiscent this book is to the anime Revolutionary Girl Utena (one of my favorite anime ever). We have a school located in a mysterious place where time doesn't seem to advance, bisexual romance, symbolism with hidden meanings, sexual abuse and a charming headmaster with a dark secret. Maybe it is because I am a far more visual person, but I was unable to stare at the scenes of this book and guess the hidden meanings, whereas I just gobble on fan theories for the dozen hidden meaning behind each episode of Utena. This is no fault on the author, she writes quite beautifully and I am certain readers that enjoy poetry will be delighted guessing each scene.

While I don't usually read these kinds of stories because I tend to never pick up the inner meanings of the artistic text, I am certain there are plenty of readers that will believe this book is mesmerizing in both plot and prose.

3 1/2 stars! ( )