The book was good. The atmospherics were impressive. The author does a nice job of bringing Spain to life for the reader and giving a solid, factual account of the Civil War. There is a large cast of characters and the plots twine into plots that become plots. To enjoy this book you have to enjoy thinking about the depth, complexity, and nuances of the story as it slowly develops.
There are specific points at which information is divulged to the reader and I found myself wanting to hurry past some of the elaborate and intricate tales within tales in the form of flashbacks; however, the flashbacks themselves reveal information that moves the story along eventually.
Much time is given to the development of characters and this is the strongest aspect of the novel. The characters are likable and it leaves the reader wanting more of them to experience again the atmosphere, mood, and events in their lives. The Cemetery of Forgotten books is a great concept.
For me the plot seemed a little too winding and the revelations a little fewer and farther between than I would have liked. Overall I would recommend this book to someone with patience that enjoys intricately developed stories and very gradually revealed mysteries.