It's long yes, and some of the arcs or chapters (especially the interlude arc) can drag-on (/pun), but it has a lot of heart in it, and I think might be the best "very long" story I've read. Took me 3 months and 9 days, but I did it, and I loved it, and will miss it's constant company in my everyday thoughts and feelings. I think the bonesaw interlude was my favorite chapter, you will know it when you get to it.