I tried really hard to get through this novel, but I failed.  In the end I couldn’t get past chapter 9′s painful reexamination of a dysfunctional and unenjoyable relationship we were informed was doomed from the beginning.  The writing is repetitive, sentence structure doesn’t vary, and if you want to know what telling instead of showing looks like, this is it.  It is written in first person, but any attempts at foreshadowing are heavy handed and leave nothing to look forward to.  So the relationship is going nowhere.  So WHAT?  We can tell!  When does it end and how much more do we have to endure?

The character tries to be honest about his mistakes and himself in hindsight, but it is very hard to identify with him since his actions only seem more pathetic and ridiculous as he continues to tell his story.  All we’re seeing of him is his weakest sides, the same patterns, and spineless delusions, repeated until you want to scream.  He personifies humanity at it’s most banal and cowardly, in my opinion.

After chapter 9, supposedly we are supposed to get to the good stuff, as eventually the character IS supposed to discover true love.  But at this point I’m sick of hearing him talk and I really don’t care!  If I can ever stand to come back and finish, I’ll let you know.  But right now, save yourself and don’t waste your time.

To the author . . . I’m sorry.

P.S.  Frustrated heavy petting is NOT erotic.

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