I love the perspective that this read is told through. The immortal protagonist looking back on a story from earlier in their life is such a fun framework and Sachar uses it well.

The depiction of magic here is also appropriately gross and unwhimsical which I found entirely complimentary to the narrative, setting, and characters.

Anatole makes this story though, from his odd appearance to wholesome mannerisms. He is a character that it is hard for me not to love. My one dilemma is the peeks at the Anatole in modern times are far too few when his POV is so fun. His moments of smugness about the history he created and witnessed

The history richly baked into this text is a delight and a wonder. I hope there are readers out there who can still appreciate this era of our kind's existence.