I don't quite know what to make of it, yet. It's very strange in that it seems like a clever Edwardian-themed house novel (impending poverty! great house! one swanky dress! overworked household staff and oblivious family!), but then something very weird is at work at the same time - there's a train derailment and currently (page 89) the house has a morning room full of train passengers. They're just sort of there, like a closet full of complications waiting to be set free. There's also something going on with the youngest sibling, Smudge. I'm not sure where it's all going which is sort of exciting! I've been slow to get into it, but I think that's because I keep trying to read it when I'm too tired.
Here's a quote from page 20 - it doesn't really have much to do with the weirdness, but it does have to do with birthdays. Since mine was Sunday, it struck me with a little thrill all its own. (ha ha! As I write this, Andrew Bird's The Happy Birthday Song played on my iTunes Genius "Chamber Pop Mix." Well played for once, itunes!)
Emerald ran off to change for riding much cheered: a surprise cake she had not made herself; a childhood friend on a train to visit, and no Step until Sunday . . . she felt the childhood thrill of her (whisper the word) birthday.
