This is a tough one to review. While I enjoyed the book parts were a bit difficult due to Oscar bring a bit of a harsh character - his actions could be selfish and destructive. Also for me the writing for me did get a bit tedious at times too long and wordy. Yet the story did keep me interested there were a lot going on through this book I would continue on his back toSee where Oscar answer.

Jack Ladd's writing style is quite Hemingway-esque, especially in the beginning of the book when he sets the scene by describing the squalor young Oscar is living in. What made me connect it all to Hemingway was the staccato rhythm of the narration, as well as the focus on masculinity and feelings of alienation.

Unfortunately, I really, really don't like Hemingway, so there's that. Still, objectively speaking, the clear, distinct voice works well for the story, and the characters were engaging. I got very invested in the plot and wanted to scream at Oscar whenever he was about to do something stupid, which, to be honest, was about every 10 pages or so. Even though this is only part one of the story, it is complete on its own and works as a stand alone novel.

The sex scenes are long, detailed, and very hypermasculine, but in the fun, playful, Tom of Finland kind of way. There's also a lot of descriptions of trees that came across as pretty phallic to me, and I found that endlessly entertaining.

Overall, even though this wasn't quite my cup of tea, the story does what it sets out do well and it is carefully crafted. Occasionally Oscar's journey to self-discovery verges on the melodramatic, but that actually made this even more colourful and fun.