If he read Middlemarch he would die on the spot.

There's a particular reason why I think you will get it.

Of course

Don't do this to yourself

Gulley Jimson says Hi

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I get William Wordsworth vibes. And I hate Wordsworth, but I love Wordsworth vibes. Stop saying Wordsworth

It's just a surprise to be reading somebody who actually means it. Almost upsetting

Linked with a duty of care to the characters. Iris Murdoch springs to mind

Also there is a near-total lack of irony or sarcasm, which makes it like reading a book by a Martian.

The level of attention may be the key... I keep asking "Why exactly are you telling me quite this much? Keep going, though."

It's a book by a guy who has never owned a mobile phone, which let's face it is a rarity. I know that's not really why I am into it, but there is a Murnaney level of attention which these days seems unusual and is part of the charm.