First up I did not like this, it is probably the most boring thing I have ever had the misfortune to happen on. Also, and forgive me for this, I read only half and therefore may not be entitled to comment. The story could be interesting, if you can find it in the flow of verbage. I gave 2 stars because the writing is excellent and if you like literary rambling then you may well enjoy. I read to be entertained , this did not entertain me. The author indulges in long diversions and it can take pages after pages just to add one thought to the story. It has lots of reviews so no point in my rehashing the plot - and in the interests of brevity I will keep this succinct. This is a book to me that is over written, one that will satisfy the intellectuals with lots of fodder for interpretation, discussion and general cleverness. But I was bored, perhaps I am too dumb. But I am too old to let that bother me anymore.