I almost didn't read this book. I never would have picked it up on my own, and as it was it had been sitting on my shelf for a LONG time, on loan from my mom, who promised it would be worth my while. But it's just so unassuming, and I'd skipped over it so many times that I was starting to feel a little guilty....oh, all right, let's just get this over with.

But, as usual, Mom was right. This book is an absolute gem. Konrad has no reason to help Ursula - Ursula has no reason to trust Konrad - and yet they both do, and what results is a piece of beautiful, melancholy literary perfection. It is quiet and intelligent and masterful. It proves that you truly cannot judge a book by it's cover. Highly recommended. ( )