I just read
The Fields by Kevin Maher. It took me about five pages to notice the absence of quotes. Although I think it would have been better to have the quotes, it wasn't as annoying as I thought it would be. The reason for omitting quotes baffles me. It's a hoighty toighty literary thing you say? That explains it.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Fields-Nov.../dp/0316223565