A very lonely book; in that sense it reminded me, oddly enough, of The Long Goodbye. Severian's detachment and introspection makes for an oppressive read, but Wolfe seems very aware of this, which is why Severian is rarely alone.

This is why the story of Jonas, the Samwise to Severian's Frodo, is so tragic. I did not realize how much force Jonas was exerting against the black hole of Severian's mind. As soon as the hitherto affable Jonas understands when and where he is, he goes numb and quiet. It feels like the room has grown ice cold. I and, it seems Severian also, felt relieved to be reunited with his troupe and to escape Severian's mind.

I also noticed that there is some controversy about Severian's rape. To this point I will say that, in addition to Severian's obvious "depression" or his self-admitted "madness," Severian was raised without a mother and father, by a guild of torturers whose tools include sexual violence. He makes his bread by killing and torturing. It's hard for me to understand why this particular act is shocking or of note, given Severian and his world.