A novel not very memorable, about the element of choice in emotional experience. There is a certain amount of imagery from the Iliad, but the book made no great impression. It is set in contemporary society. ( )

Interesting early Vidal written prior to his becoming as bitter as he is now. Lots of colorful characters and lessons in life. ( )

This sounded fascinating: a privileged young American taking a year out in '50's Europe. And written by Gore Vidal, who was always worth watching on T.V. for his intelligence, acerbic wit and knowledge. But, gosh, was this a dull slog.

The protagonist doesn't seem to think, reflect or feel very much, just observes the mostly bizarre people he comes across. He didn't care, so I couldn't.

Gore can obviously write, and liked to show off his knowledge of ancient classics. I just assume this was a very early work and that his later books were more entertaining and revealing, but this one has put me off bothering to find out. ( )

Up until the last 75 pages of this book I was enraptured. But the end left me bored. It felt very random to me and thrown together. All in all still an interesting read and exceedingly bold material for a book published in the early 1950s. Vidal's prose really is a joy to read and it makes me sad that we lost him last year. ( )

"But what are Kings, when regiment is gone,
But perfect shadows in a sunshine day."

Marlowe: Edward the Second

In Shakespeare's play Richard the Second is likened to a shadow of a shadow. Ouch. ( )