I finished reading this book recently and came here to see what the reviews are like. The majority of the reviews question whether the character N is a real or fictional person. I cannot add anything to this debate as I am unsure if N is a real life person or simply a symbolic representation of idealised. Perhaps the truth lies somewhere in between. What has become fascinating for me is how copies of Christianson's book is turning up at various locations in Europe and more specifically at European literary sights like Weimar and the grave of James Joyce in Zurich. According to Christianson the copy of his book was left on a bench in Weimar as a gift to whoever might find it. Christianson wrote a note addressed to the reader expressing his desire to share his book and words with someone in Weimar. I think finding the book on a bench evokes a sense of serendipity in which it connects the finder with the author's words and thoughts in an unexpected way. I think Christianson deliberately chose Weimar to place the copy of his words as it is a city with a rich and cultural history and Christianson in placing his words at Weimar cemetery is honouring the lives of Goethe and Schiller who are buried there close to that bench. Both Goethe and Schiller are icons of Weimar's cultural heritage. I think that Christianson in leaving his book in such a location could imply a desire to connect with others who appreciate literature, spirituality and cultural history. I was not one of those lucky people who found this book resting on a bench or on the grave of James Joyce but I am so happy that I have found this book as I really enjoyed it.