This book felt very French in tone-almost academic, a somewhat verbose intelligent detachment which dwells in details in order to explore and define. At times, I wondered if we were going to get some plot but I also became intrigued by unexpected details so I felt like my attention was being rewarded. I appreciate the lack of melancholy but I wonder if it relies a lot on the symbolism of the heart to evoke an emotional response. Since I personally don't subscribe to the symbolism of the heart organ, I found myself wondering if getting to know Simon before hand would have brought me more into the emotional upheaval of the novel.