I find this book likable despite the fact that I see most of the characters as very much one-dimensional characters and the dynamics being simplistic and lacking most of real-life nuance and complexities. You get the whole gamut of cardboard cutout figures (ranging from a penniless immigrant who has your sympathies despite bad decisions they have made in life to a very well to do family member who has a sense of privilege the size of the Solar System). Most developments are very predictable precisely due to characters being so shallow.

Still, the book reads nicely and it made me feel somewhat elegiac despite it shortcomings. I'm glad I did read it.