Notes from a disappointed reader

I've just finished a much vaunted gay book (I'm not saying what) and I have to say I was underwhelmed. It truly was a curate's egg - in parts excellent, with scenes that will stick in my mind but in others impenetrable. I'm not thick and I don't want to have to reread pages (especially when the book is 600+ to start with) to understand what's going on. Like tackling James Joyce...
At least this was one of my 50p hardback bargains from the Oxfam bookshop to which it will return soon. Although my youngest did suggest it would be useful to stand on to reach the back of cupboards.