Imperfectionists quite suddenly sucking me in. Herman Cohen chapter a clear leap IMO - indistinguishable from the best of Franzen - eloquent, minutely observed/felt, crackling with efficiently psychologically revealing dialogue, interested in the self-sacrificing lies we tell to those we love because we do, exasperated, ruthless, and very funny. It constantly swoops, swirls and takes off on thermals. Beautiful.

""what is the value in remonstrating with such a feckless triumvirate?" :D

"Herman resented it slightly, as if he were somehow footing the bill for Jimmy's freedom."