read this for a seminar about the Booker Prize, and while it was one of the more readable winners, the story itself is only okay although Saunders does some interesting things pertaining to form and the concept of liminality. if you're looking for a captivating tale about life, death, and whatever is in-between, i'd go somewhere else. the white americans in my seminar seemed to really love this book though, so perhaps if you find yourself identifying with that general profile you might really enjoy it.