I think I understand what Doctorow was trying to do, and the story was pretty compelling. However, it was a bit messy- I felt like it lacked a proper climax & the ending felt rushed and tacked on as a result. I also came away with the feeling that it could have gone so much further and said so much more. Lots of unrealized potential!It's a quick read, so I don't see why you shouldn't give it a shot. I'm certainly planning on checking out some more Doctorow, if only to see if/how he's developed since.