1. Weak, unlikable characters, all of whom are sanctimonious and self-obsessed 2. Meandering plot 3. Unlikely relationships throughout 4. The book simply cannot decide whether it is a farce or a confession. 5. Absence of convincing descriptions of any kind, except of a sort of clicheed left wing mentality. 6. Central idea of "what does it mean to be good" examined very simplistically. The only thing that can be said in favour of this book is that is serves to remind one what good writing is.