The atmosphere this book creates is both serene and melancholy. The easing of the narrator’s guilt done through the telling of his old friend’s story is very well structured, and leaves the narrator to wonder how much of what they’re told is true. All they know really is how much sadness existed, and how they affected the child twisted within it all. Amongst this, there is also a nuanced commentary on masculinity, relationships, marriage and loss. This book felt very poignant and in its slowness there is certainly a knowing.

He said silently (but nevertheless wanting to be heard) Clarence, you ought not to trust me…half expecting Clarence to answer Why not? If Clarence had, then he would have said Because all my life I have been a stranger to myself.