This is a rather short novel, but there is a lot packed in. The plot’s primary momentum comes from our protagonist, Leo, who is 17 and on vacation with his family. He witnesses something, doesn’t intervene, becomes engaged in the action in way, and then, in his mind, blurs the line between culprit and foolish bystander.

The story takes place over the course of, maybe, a day and a half. We get Leo’s angsty teenage point of view regarding the campsite, and the campers. But, is it merely just a typical angsty teen, or is there some truth to his point of view? Maybe we are all miserable under our facade, lost in the tide of modern culture.

Among the angst is a lot of teenage hormones. Leo and his friend, Louis, are both keen to have sex with the girls they are crushing on. There’s definitely an almost platonic homosexual quality to their friendship. It runs throughout their time, not just when Louis finally kisses Leo. On the surface Leo doesn’t return the sentiment, but the English Major in me is ready to dissect all of the ways the two of them are attracted to each other, and aren’t actually interested in the girls.

I find some of Leo’s choices and behaviors frustrating, but he is a pent up, sexually tense teenager. Remember on Seinfeld when lack of sex makes George smart and Elaine stupid? When Leo has sex, it’s like his brain starts functioning again and he finally makes at least one better decision. But, are we sure we wouldn’t have made the same initial choice that he makes? It’s almost a shock, or paralysis of sorts. Either way, Jestin’s novel is beautifully written and I’m curious to see what he’d do with a longer novel, and more space to tell a story.