This is the first book I've ever read by Kersh, and I'll say he verges on being a great writer, who turns a phrase better than any writer I've come across. However, this is strictly a book for adults; bitter, cynical, and cruel. Did Kersh live this life? The whole book is set at night, and deals with the worst possible nightlife--pimps, whores, drunks, criminals, liars, braggarts. This novel was written in the 1940's (which shows human nature doesn't change). Kersh is a wonderful stylist; the way he describes the world in this book can literally make you feel ill. All is not lost, though; there are two people, a sculptor, and a woman trying not to get dragged down into the hellhole the author describes, who are trying their darndest to get away what I can only describe as Dante's Inferno. Even is this worst of worlds, love can redeem. Don't read this book at one sitting, though.