An underrated book

I always thought this was one of the scarier books.  Admittedly, I've not read it for years.  Not since DWJ's books got reprinted thanks to the resurgence of fantasy.

I think one reason it doesn't get talked about it is that it's so mind-bogglingly complex, even by DWJ standards, that it's difficult to talk about; and there's no lowest-common-denominator hook. Only a certain kind of reader will even be able to finish reading it with enjoyment, much less digest it and articulate any of suite of emotions and ideas that grow out of the experience. (This is not intended to imply that this sort of reader forms an elite; one may be plenty smart enough to follow the plot, and sophisticated enough aesthetically to appreciate the art, and yet not be the kind of person who engages with either in a way necessary to enjoy the book.) It doesn't invite 'shipping, there's no charismatic focus person ala Chrestomanci, and the emotions engendered are not ones fans (or critics and reviewers!) are accustomed to discussing.

Personally I found that the uncertainty about who the viewpoint character was fruitful as heck. It allowed the ghost POV to function as both a third-person limited omniscient, and as an unreliable, narrator, and encouraged reader identification with all the sisters, not just the protagonist. The way DWJ enables the reader to grasp the god's-eye view of non-linear time is mind-blowing. And that she does it without any loss of her trademark humor, family dynamics, and transparent style (difficult as the book is, I defy anyone to show me a difficult sentence!) makes commentary by lesser mortals seem inadequate. You wind up either hugging the book to yourself or shoving it at people you think might get it, saying; "Don't ask, just read it!"