This book serves as a powerful reminder of the barriers that queer and non-conforming people face in society, particularly in their teenage years. I did, however, find it hard at times to sympathize with Jude. He is incredibly self-centred and has an unwarranted arrogance to him. But that aside, it’s a powerful book with a gut wrenching ending. I wanted life to improve for Jude; it doesn’t and it’s heartbreaking.