Sidebar that I almost edited out of this oh-so-compelling review: like Secret History, the book began with the plot's conclusion. Beginning with the end leaves exploration of characters, motivation, and setting for the duration of the book. And it makes it more enjoyable.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a riveting book. I wonder, sometimes, whether the novel will survive modern culture. Paul Murray shows that it may even be better, now, reflecting our times.
The moral of the book may be about drugs and sobriety and honesty (thanks, hipsters), but what I learned was: everything may begin in high school, but it certainly doesn't stop there.