I'm recovering from recent major surgery and this book was exactly the book I needed. Not because of any message it has for people like me but because of the amount of concentration it requires to read it.
The plot isn't so complex, but it requires concentration because it's so beautifully written. You really want to take your time with it, and I'm a little sorry I finished it.
 Oh, when you read it, make sure you've gotten the title right (many don't): It's The Beautiful and Damned, not The Beautiful and the Damned.
 Does it really matter? you ask. Yes, it does. It really matters. Read it and you'll understand.