An interesting story that seems, at the beginning, to be a semi-autobiography; but becomes more obviously fictional as the story progresses.
The author’s real life experience clearly is reflected in Declan, the main protagonist. Declan finds, in early childhood, that he is different and doesn’t fit in with all those around him. He makes sense of his world through his own logic and imaginary characters.
Through many experiences, he learns about and succeeds in the real world using his superior intellect. He develops his moral code as his life progresses. He plays games with various characters gaining actual and Pyrrhic victories but can’t quite get what he really wants and needs.
In the end, he realizes that the reality in his head is preferable to all and the only way to be in harmony with the world while dealing with the painful realities life presents.
