Social Commentary

While the book is not actually satire – its events and characters are too grounded in historical and contemporary reality for that – it does make clear, pointed commentary on the social, cultural, political, and economic circumstances in which the narrative unfolds. Satire exaggerates: the narrative here clarifies and emphasizes its points of consideration in two ways – first, by simply stating historical facts, albeit with a degree of sometimes unnecessary coyness; and second, by flirtatiously hinting at, rather than overtly pointing out, the implications and meaning of those facts, as well as the various aspects of society the narrative is, in fact, criticizing. It is a very fine line that the book, for the most part, walks successfully, although there is also a sense that the coyness of the narrative style at times undermines its clear intent to make certain points.

The book’s thematic emphasis on...