A Fine and Private Place

This book is a charming, slice-of-life type exploration of several very different characters' lives – the many difference between them being that some are no longer alive at all. I found Rebeck and the other living characters (even the raven) very sympathetic, and I rooted for them throughout the book. I didn't especially care for Michael or Laura at first, but they grew on me. The plot is quiet and philosophical for the most part up until some interesting twists at the end. Knowing Peter Beagle (I adore his other books), I expected that and was happily along for the ride. To a friend I would probably recommend Beagle's other stories first (especially In Calabria and, of course, The Last Unicorn), but this book is a lovely reflection on life, especially for someone who prefers less fantasy and unicorns in their magical realism/fairy tales. :)