I read this book as part of an independent study for my graduate thesis. Amazing writing! This book will always have a special place in my heart. I understand why maybe his writing style won’t be for everyone, but for those who like dense, yet very articulate writing, it’s truly impeccable. The ending sections of the novel I think can really help people with depression or sense of self issues. Some key lines are so honest and poignant that they have stayed with me even months after reading the book. I think that Hoskyns really translated and put down on the page a lot of thoughts and worries that many people experience on different conscious and subconscious levels. Perhaps, however, for some people it is difficult to face that level of intense honesty and deep introspection. I personally would urge people that, if this book deters at first, to try to keep returning to it. At least get through the ending. And try to read it without any preconceived notions. This is such a wonderful piece of writing, with such valuable lessons, and I’ve recommended it to a lot of my friends!