Wow. Forget the themes, motifs, symbolism, etc. What I love is a great story. This one just barely manages to avoid being too sweet, thus instead becoming a powerful, heart-wrenching love story. The characters came to life so strongly that, even though they all know how the story will end because it has been foreordained, I kept hoping desperately with them for a miracle. Again, wow. If this is Niffenegger's first book, I can't wait to read her second. Make sure you don't have to be at work early, in case you end up staying up all night to finish the book.