I have to compliment the way this is written first. It written from the perspective of an old woman recounting a tale. There are these fantastic moments when you are reminded of that perspective. For instance she will say "we later found out that three fingers were broken." or she will describe how the weather was that year. It is absolutely flawless because she it all flows in a way that feel authentic.
That takes true talent.
The story is lovely. I loved the characters. I loved the setting and the cultures. It has everything.