Translated from Arabic, this tense story is told in two quite different yet very similar parts. The first half was *extremely* bleak. I found the second half to be much faster-paced due to the writing style (some paragraphs went on for pages, which propelled my reading). It may leave you with more questions than answers, which I don't mind, but I know some readers do. (Also, I would recommend avoiding the marketing copy if possible; it gives away so much!)