I didn't read this until GGBP brought it out two or three years ago and, unfortunately, my view of it was coloured by what was happening regarding child refugees in Australia at that time (making me very pro-returning Edward to his father and very anti-Ann's perspective). I should read it again when my perspective isn't affected by high-profile political issues.

The thing I do like about Forest, though, is the way things aren't black and white - there is no tidy ending. It's so much more reflective of real life than the more traditional GO stories. I think people who don't like Forest don't like that element of real life, that uncertaintly, interrupting a relaxing read. Whereas I find it refreshing, particularly in the period in which AF was writing.