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Title: disappointing and self-indulgent
Review: There is nothing worse than squandered talent and skill. Unfortunately this novel is the poster child for self-indulgence and narcissism. Frayn is a fine playwright and I highly recommend Copenhagen, but this novel is an extended narrative on the author's desire to be an art critic/philosopher, replete with long discursive sections that neither reveal character or move the plot forward. Female characters are a sham and are so unbelievable as to break the willful suspension of disbelief. Of course with this noxious stew in place it is no surprise that Frayn was forced to breathlessly resolve the plot in 5 pages or else, not withstanding voluminous ruminations on art and philosophy that could be better read elsewhere. Like a previous reviewer, I'm off to the used bookstore to salvage what I can from this book. A major downer!
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