I wasn't able to enjoy this book as much as I wanted to based on the blurb. The different events get linked eventually, but I was very confused as I read because of how much the story jumped around. There were funny moments here and there, but I was left wanting more.

This book had me captivated from the first sentence. It continued to hold my interest throughout. I liked the present day chapters more than the ones about his past. My only problem is that I really didn’t like the main characters. I still enjoyed the story. A good solid read!

This is a good book for people who like character studies with no real plot. It gave me a similar feel to Diary of an Oxygen Thief, and had the plain language and nihilism found in The Stranger by Camus. There were moments that seemed trapped too long in flashback and made me forget what was going on in the “present”, and the ending felt a bit rushed and meh, but overall I really enjoyed this read.

I couldn’t get into this book at all. I wasn’t drawn into the story as it is a writing style I’m not excited about. And Conrad wasn’t a character I particularly enjoyed.

Yes, you get the greater picture of Conrad’s life, and everything eventually ties together as the book comes to an end. But all the jumping around made me feel like an outsider looking through a very foggy window instead of sitting cozily inside with them. I understand Conrad is trying to overcome his past and break free from his “rattiness,” but I didn’t relate enough with his character to care about what happened in his life.

Was this meant to be a love story? Or a story of redemption? I guess a little bit of both.

I made it to the end. At least there’s a plus side there. Unfortunately, I think this was my least favorite book I have read all year.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.