Wasn't sure about this to start with - the writing doesn't quite keep up with the imagination and ideas - which were good - but by the last quarter I was won over, and finished pretty well. Nearly made 3 stars. Making one fairly ludicrous premise [spoiler] that blood can transfer detailed memories the castle that is built on it is nicely put together and great fun. A beautiful picture of the Dad of the narrator and a moving description of bereavement from several angles balances the fun.