I am completely charmed by this delightful book, which made me laugh out loud at times. The word "Dickensian" comes to mind, for the novel has a hard-luck young protagonist, a collection of lively and quirky characters who come to form his ad hoc extended family, and an improbable coincidence that ties up various plot strains at the end. It's not without its dark aspects--some very unhappy, indeed gruesome, things happen--but ultimately I would say it's about finding oneself & acceptance & love.