This is one of the most depressing novels I have ever read. It is beautifully written, well constructed and kept me reading well into the night until I finished it, completely drained. It is overloaded with sexual encounters that are devoid of any real emotional connection. Considering the author's earlier novel, I felt that this was not just a fiction book but a reflection of the author's own misery. The ending is satisfying and believable, but I felt such sorrow for the unhappiness of all the characters. There is not one redeeming quality in any of the main characters. How sad.