Жизнь мальчишки

The story balances whimsy with darkness in a way that feels authentic and unsettling. Did the blending of genres come naturally or was it a deliberate choice?

The vivid descriptions of Boy's explorations and imagination really took me back. How do you think the author captured that sense of innocence and wonder?

The detailed environment feels like a character itself. I'm curious whether the town was based on a real place or a composite, and what it symbolizes in the story.