This was a book that could have been written in half the volume and been wonderful. Parts were very good, even funny, and really kept me interested, but so much was just tedious. While I can't say I disliked it, I was really glad to be finished with it. I also think part of the problem is that it's a translation, and it just doesn't read as well for me, it's a bit stilted, etc. Development of the characters, however, is extensive, though I didn't need to see BOTH names for every character every time. I also wondered why the whole first part of the story line was even there...it never got resolved or explained as to its value to the book.