Arnon Grunberg wrote this novel at the age of 22, and it was a bestseller in the Netherlands when it was first published in 1994. Modeling the disinfrachised hero after himself, (many draw comparisons to Philip Roth), it chronicles the nihlistic adventures of the hero, who like many who came of age in the 90's feeling unconnected, hangs out and finds ways of killing time, most notably in the little alleys and lanes of Amsterdams Red Light District. Lots of humour and wit, but those looking for a heartwarming story of growing up should look elsewhere. I love this book!