This book was painful to read -- not because it was poorly written, but rather because it so richly expressed the pain of its characters that I felt it and almost couldn't face it at times. This book is modern-day literature, full of symbolism and archetypes and everything you remember from English class. It's a terrific read and a change of pace from most of what's available these days.

Some of the content was a little too, ahem, mature for me, and I skimmed in places. Some characters were conveniently ignored (e.g. Henry's parents). It's not perfect. But you should read it.