Not half so sad as its autobiographical predecessor, Palimpsest, despite containing moving accounts of the decline and death of his partner of more than half a century. It is more classic Vidal. Witty, viper-like name dropping and infinite and partially justifiable self regard.

Want humorous stories about Tennessee Williams, Paul Newman, Omar Sharif, and Norman Podhoretz? Look no further.

A surprisingly breezy read, too. Short chapters and sort in general (little over 250 pages).