If the premise of the novel isn’t, “Life just keeps going, sans plot or a discernible theme,” I didn’t get it. But I’m not entirely sure that was the point? Which I guess proves the point? Or maybe it’s a reflective, “Bad things turn good if you give them enough time.” Anyway, I liked this one less than Cider House or Owen Meany. Those felt like stories with poignant messages to deliver, albeit in sad, realistic circumstances. The poignant message in this novel (assuming we can truthfully assign it one) is just too sad. BUT it’s certainly engaging and fun to read, per his usual style. Anyway, if given a to-do over, I’d probably not read it again. 🤷🏻‍♀️