458 pages full of great language, convincing characters (one first has to get a grip of, I admit) and story lines, plus all types of emotional shades including wonderful cynism, so that this book doesn't get even close to boring at any point. Everyone can recognize and identify with both the described feelings, desillusions, hopes, dreams, and disappointments, long relationships and/or adulthood brings along, as well as with the insights into life of a little town. The end is just as clean and simple and perfect as the rest of the story. A true pleasure to read.