"Gripping . . . Abbott writes evocatively of every phase in his memorable protagonist's odyssey . . . a convincing, insightful and eminently readable tale." — Publishers Weekly A portrait of Fred Fay follows an outwardly successful but selfish man's descent into alcoholism and failure and his slow, difficult recovery into a wholly new and meaningful life. "Rich in character and language, this is one of those rare novels the reader hates to see come to an end." — Library Journal "An often penetrating portrait of a troubled individual's desperate search for and avoidance of human intimacy." — Booklist "Absorbing." — Kirkus Reviews
