This book starts off very strongly and sort of loses steam as its process seemingly unravels; Grose is apparently left hanging as Brewer Young's contributions dwindle into the odd typewritten reflection, often prompted directly by Grose, who – fascinatingly – fills the space in a way that responds tangibly to the sense of conversational abandonment. The latter sections of the book feel more interesting for what they say about this process and its authors than the actual writing, and a transcribed conversation closing the volume doesn't quite salvage what began with enormous promise, but its rich first chapters still make it essential reading for anyone involved in trades of listening or tussles over empathy.