I remember being really affected by this as a kid. As an adult, it doesn’t have quite the same impact (and is much quicker to read!). But the writing is still strong and the story is still good. I remember being crushed about Winnie’s fate in the epilogue. Why wouldn't she want to run off with this guy (who she had like 3 conversations with and knew for one day) and his family? But now it makes more sense to me. Still bittersweet, but makes more sense.