The best novels are the ones which sweep you away into a different time and place and where you emerge a better person for having learned something along the way. Oxford Messed Up is such a novel. The characters are engaging and interesting. The story is well told. The best part is learning a little something about the destruction of OCD and becoming more sympathetic to the burden people with OCD carry. Although I've heard of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and knew of some of the symptoms, I feel as though now I understand it. The main character, Gloria, is utterly convincing and real and her journey to health with a dose of romance along the way made this one fun story. The surprise ending was well crafted and I'm looking forward to reading more books by Ms Kaufman!