Not my cup of tea

I’ve been reading The Story of Edgar Sawtell, a novel by David Wroblewski. I almost never abandon a book once I’ve started reading it, but I fear that this I may put this one aside soon. While there is much that I enjoy about the novel, and it has received praise from many authors and critics alike, there are aspects of the novel that are driving me a little batty.

Two in particular, though I warn you: reading on will spoil certain aspects of the book.

First and foremost, the book begins as re