This is a coming-of-age story with elements of magical realism peppered in. With the first read, you can't really tell what's real and what's fiction. That could be magic, or just the narrator's childhood perception of the world. I will definitely have to read it again to pick up on all the clues and Easter eggs. It was equal parts funny, sad, and terrifying. Altogether an intriguing read. Thanks @Bigwig for the gift!