I’m not sure what exactly this was, but it was compelling. Reviews are quick to get deep in the weeds with cultural and historical references that are not at all familiar to me.

What I just read was novel without a plot – two men discussing their lives, ideas and the world around them as one of them prepares to die. The book mixes historical fact and fiction, and it’s difficult to decipher which is which. The style of writing varies for reasons that aren’t really useful, but are interesting.

It’s stylish and well-written, short chapters with plenty of visuals. It isn’t a long read, but it’s also not an easy one.

If I’m being honest, I’m not sure I really got it, or even if there is an ‘it’ to get. It did push me to read about the life of Jan Gay and some of the other figures discussed. I will remember it as an artful and engaging read, but the details are already leaving me.