Since people should save 5 stars for enduring classics. I chose four stars. Rarely does a novel hit such a range of emotions in a reader (at least in my case) as did Egolf's book. I found myself hating and rooting for major and insignificant characters alike from beginning to end. Tradgedy of biblical proportions became uncommonly comic throughout the novel. To which made a highly enjoyable suprise. I chanced upon LOTB in a new writer's section at a local bookstore. What I consider a find should be read by all who find themselves lucky enough to find themselves readers.