The Charioteer by Mary Renault

I read this book about four years ago, and I remember liking it, and re-reading it now, I realise that I didn't understand about 82% of it. Even though it's not very long, it was really hard for me to read because the dialogue is very challenging. It has some of the best-written dialogue I've ever encountered, but I literally had to read every line about three times and then sit there and think about what it meant. Some parts I didn't get this time around either. However, I absolutely loved it, it has a rare balance of wonderfully executed characters, sophisticated and skillful dialogue, and an absolutely magical evocation of emotions and experience. And on top of it all, a really good plot. I'm pretty sure that Sarah Waters borrowed a lot from the plot for Tipping the Velvet. But while I hated the ending of Tipping the Velvet, the ending of this book is much more satisfying. I would definitely put this book as the number one best gay romance I've ever read (much better than the intolerably dull Maurice), but it's far more deep and fascinating that the label of 'romance' implies. I was especially drawn to the characters, it's really unusual for me to like the main character in any novel, but I really adored Laurie. I'm really glad I reread it, and I think it's probably become one of my favourite books ever.