This is nearly a 5-star novel. In many (most) ways this novel is inspiring albeit tragic (in the Greek Tragedy sense). The novel's characters are well rounded, imperfect humans. The plot is nearly believable aside from Harold's lack of daily walking progress. (I am biased because as a power-walker I walk as much in a hour and 1/4 as he does in a day, without blisters... I understand that's a personal problem.)

Given this the initial novel in a series, I'll test the next volume to see how things 'go'.