which is a good thing. somewhat.

the book itself was a decently light read with an interesting story to tell. characters seemed pretty lively. especially barrington, though i don't mean "lively" in a positive way here. he has something to say about everything, and most of it is at least some degree of problematic. which isn't surprising coming from an old man, but even the love of his life morris calls him out on the regular for being just a smidge too cynical.

in the end i don't find myself astonished by this book, but that's not the expectation i was going into it with. i wanted something a bit lighter after bawling my eyes out at the ending of the these violent delights duology and, comparatively, mr loverman delivered on that. i still wouldn't classify it as a light read, because all the characters have some pretty deep-seated struggles. but most of them have a pretty good ending at least. even barry, who, in accordance with him being an old cynical asshole, tries his best to sabotage it.