This was an odd extraordinary story, and I was in awe with the interpretation after listening to several interviews the author was in.

I was expecting a full-on fantasy story, but it turns out it was all a metaphor/allegory for being starkly different, keeping a secret about oneself outta fear and for safety, and growing up queer or trans which I feel seems relatable in the recent and sheer number of the anti-LGBTQ bill.