The book begins as a pretty hard read. The first half of the book is composed mostly of internal monologues of the main character (Harry Haller), going on about his views of the world, his philosophy, his depression, and his belief of having a "split soul" between a man and a wolf. This is definitely a type of language that is harder to read and understand. However, the story starts to develop more in the second half of the book, with more events and dialog between characters instead of internal monologue. From the moment Harry meets Hermine onward, the book becomes much easier to read.