I loved the development of the characters and the incredibly well-written prose of the author. The book was wonderful to read. I found the character compelling, each in her own world, with her own demons and passions. Imagine, the intense social pressure Renee feels, even as child that compels her to hide her incredible intellect from those around her! And her counterpart in the apartment, a young girl who feels so out of sync with the world and those around her due to her precocious intellect that she feels the best solution is to commit suicide. I couldn't put this one down!