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Content snapshot
Flag an inaccuracy →What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.
Violence
Some
Some violence in a gritty urban setting
Language
Some
Strong language; the novel's voice is raw and unconventional
Sexual Content
Some
Sexual content; present and frank
Substance Use
A lot
Drug and alcohol use are present in the story's milieu
Emotional Intensity
Some
Themes of poverty, failure, and the psychology of someone clinging to a dream in desperate circumstances
What this book is about
Sniffles the Clown is broke, in love with an absent balloon artist, and working in Baloneytown — a surreal, decaying neighborhood that is part gritty Portland and part absurdist dreamscape. Drake's debut novel blends dark comedy, pathos, and social commentary in a voice that's genuinely unlike anything else. Not for everyone, but unforgettable.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
Strong language
Substance use
Adult sexual content
Dark themes
Reader Verification
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