I think this will be my biannual 'miserable cishet white man refuses to take responsibility for his actions' book. More suprising is that I did not dislike this book. 

Because it's based on an old-timey movie musical, the writing style is very lyrical. The story lends itself wel to rhythmic metaphors and aphorisms which in turn give colour to the lives of these characters. 

The struggles of the characters feel real but theatrical, the characterization of the sexes sexist to the bone. But somehow the story is saved by a strong fascination with what will happen next, and the comfort that cowardly Arthur (the MC) is a joy to hate.