What a superb and authentic portrayal of that juvenile bitter arrogance which can reach an absolute peak of egomaniacal thought. What Fante managed to do with this book, whether or not he knew, is to turn a complete pompous cunt into a tragic character. Yes, you cannot help but feel bad for people around Bandini. But, at one point, you realize how many things needed to go wrong in Bandini's life for him to become such a hateful person. You feel Bandini's resentment and anger, and then it just makes sense. He despises himself more than anyone else. And it pains you even more once you get to the end of the novel and Bandini is still Bandini. And he is leaving. He is running away from himself. He has learned nothing. Tragic. But also a mirror!