This is a beautifully written story, lyrical and profound. The imagery is vivid and the characters tragic, full dimensional and the emotions real in a way I have rarely read. I think this is truly a classic. The imagery is detailed and impactful. I enjoyed it, I was interested in finding out what happened. It also felt very real and autobiographical at times. But this was the longest time it ever took me to complete a 150 page book. I never felt a urgency to complete it, I was never routing for any of the characters and at times found them petty and mean in away that was cold. Even in books where I don't like the main charters (wuthering heights) the story and conflict absorbed me in a way I was fully engaged and this one just didn't for me. Absolutely worth a read and a book I am happy to have read and adds to my understanding of a Gay Male experience in the 1950's. But will not be an all time fav. Which is fine, this books wasn't written for me a white, straight women. I can appreciate everything in it, but does not resonate with me as I imagine it does with a Gay Man. It absolutely deserves a place as a classic in the mainstream.