contrary to the pessimistic picture of modern society painted by the main character, this story remains highly optimistic for the individual to find their way in the existential maze. its not to reach the end so much as to realize ones place in that maze, as unsatisfying as that is. li is a recovering addict and carries symptoms from multiple chronic illnesses and it is in the journey tuning into himself and sifting through the miasma of contradicting views that he becomes his and his parents own clinician. even more importantly he becomes invested in himself and interested in approaching greater unity with the confusing world he is thrust into. note that his and parents career successes are far behind them, they are only backdrop to be superceded by the value of health and wholeness. i never read autofiction, liked this one.