Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Maybe you're interpreting "pilgrimage" the wrong way.
And it's a work of fiction because I didn't want to write an exact account of what happened. That isn't really literature to me. Think The Sun Also arises.

The nudity on the beach in Italy? Go check it out. It's there. Its relevant. And it's not wrong. Sounds like you're a bit prudish tbh.
The one night stands are the acts of a lonesome traveler reaching for affection while committed to the road. It's an internal battle. A struggle to find balance but also not end up with a hardened heart. It's a journey towards love and development through the eyes and words of a young man experimenting with his freedom and testing his strengths.

Sorry you interpreted it otherwise.
Do you think Heart of Darkness was all facts and figures?
The bit at the front of the novel is to protect the writer from anyone claiming anything and it's a standard copyrighting page.
Good luck to you.

I thought the "work of fiction" was to ensure that Steve didn't get sued! Its North America where people would sue their shadows (there's an idea).

I feel the "pilgramage" is not so much a journey through the usual lands, its more metaphorical as Steve (through the lens of Freddi) journeys through his changes as a person.

If the description of the beaches in Italy disturbs you, please visit Barcelona ..........