i must admit - i haven't finished reading it... but it seems to me that this is a very different cohen than we're used to. fortunately, not different enough, because it is beautiful as his other books - although perhaps in a different way. this one seems more about the forgetful, self-deceiving aspects of ideal romantic love, in contrast with what seemed to me more accurate, true representations of real relationships (in previous books). i would highly reccomend this book to all cohen fans (although if you're a fan, you already have it...)