I've read this book twice and loved it both times. The prose is both elegant and easy to read. You get caught up in this story that is about coming of age and relationships, but has the action of being caught in the middle of a civil war. The hardships the villagers encounter is related very matter of fact by the lead character, Matilda. The plot reiterates that life is not "fair", however, the spirit of an individual to survive and thrive is amazing.