Let me preface this with I have enjoyed other Joseph Hansen novels. This book however makes me understand the term melancholy. It follows the year of an aging actor who also happens to be gay. Keep in mind the setting of the story is the early 80's. The story has us in the present day as well as showing flashbacks from previous incidents that relate in his life. His sister becomes a famous artists as well as passing away near the end of the book. He, the lead character, has had a lover for 10+ years but also looses him. He gets a starring role in a TV show, think a JR Ewing in Dallas type role and is shortly written out of the show. The books have ups and downs, but always seems to end on a downward note. You keep wanting things to go well for the character but it just seems to get worse and worse and the lead character is resigned to just let it happen. ( )