The main component that everything (plot, narrative, structure) in this book revolves around is the puzzle, but I am happy to say that it is not in the obvious sense of puzzle-as-mystery with the conclusion being a big reveal. This book ends quietly but with accomplish and care, owing hours of work leading to the finish. It is an experience, both visually and strategically. While reading it, I often thought of it as every story that a writer would like to write, compiled into one, and because of this, it never leaves the reader bored (adventure, romance, history, emotion, it's got it all).
I have been on the cusp of finishing this brick of a book for about 2 weeks now and have finally made it, with the same relief that Bartlebooth must have felt upon completion of his puzzles. I will, no doubt, reach for another challenge immediately afterwards as he did, though with this trace of proof left behind instead of the artist's habit of erasure.
