Has that typical sci-fi pulp fiction feel. Not in a good way. Especially poor in contrast to Big Kiss, Bye-bye, which I read prior to this. Chapter one: Gnarly action hero general meets stunning intelligent renowned poet and cryptographer in a bar; discussion of impossible mission; sexual tension. Sigh.

Finished it now. It was terrible. Ridiculous. At no point did it trigger any interesting thought. It tries to be clever about language but it’s not. Why on earth LRB recommended this on their bookshelves is beyond me. Won't waste anymore time or words on it. Move on.