Finished reading, and it's really good.
I enjoyed a lot of things about this novel and how multi-layered it is. It was also quite interesting to compare it with its prequel, Blackberry Honey.
Firstly, I really appreciated the characters — both the main and supporting ones. I don't know if I remember correctly, since I read BH quite a long time ago, but in BB the supporting cast feels a bit more multifaceted and fleshed out? I mean mostly the maids — they just feel more alive.
Secondly, I adored the post-WW1 setting. It really is quite underused, and I think it was handled very well here: you don't see any ruins or veterans, but you do feel that gloomy, lingering atmosphere hanging over the post-Great War world. That, of course, feels especially potent when the characters talk about the people they've lost. The music helps quite a bit with that too.
And thirdly, I really liked how multi-layered the story is. Besides the main topic — our cute young yuri romance — it also touches on motherhood, grief, and self-awareness.
I also really liked the way you gave closure to Constance's character. Also also, I must say, I've grown quite fond of Bly as a setting. I hope we'll get to return there someday.
It genuinely read like a good book. Well done, Ebi.