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This is a disturbing novel which details the so-called "progress" of Julius Lévy, du Maurier's ruthless, merciless and egotistical protagonist. Nevertheless, true to du Maurier style, it was well-written, kept pace, and made me feel intense emotions.

I might be tempted to psychoanalyse Julius and discuss the role of nature vs. nurture in his development. However, his sadomasochism and lack of remorse drives me from that impulse. Julius controls and takes advantage in every human relationship, and those he cannot control he destroys.

Julius' childhood mantra "something for nothing" ultimately becomes a thing of irony. He squeezes the world for all it has to offer, and he is the one with nothing in the end: "Who am I? Where from? Where to? - the first cry and the last. He cried to them and they did not come".