I'm a bit torn about this book and my opinion on it. The craft of the writing was delectable, and his descriptions of the cities and sounds from the POV of the blind girl were impressive, to say the least. The research was top-notch, and the emotions it evoked stayed with me and I was always irritated when I had to stop reading it, it pulled me in so.

However, it feels like the story was going toward this crescendo, all these characters playing their parts surrounding this mysterious diamond, coming together slowly over time toward the bombing of Saint Malo, but then it keeps going, and I can't say I quite understood the point of doing so after this. Saying this, I'm sure if it had stopped right then in the battle-strewn streets of Saint Malo, I would have said "BUT THEN WHAT HAPPENS." So, take that for what it's worth.

Overall I did love reading this book.I love books that live in the gray area between "what is right" and "what is wrong," and the many conflicts that arise from this juxtaposition. I still highly recommend it, for those interested in such a read.

Reviewed at C-Spot