For much of the book, I would have put it in the three star catagory, like listening to a Richard Pryor or Lenny Bruce comedy album. You can tell that it was poignant and biting comedy at its time, but being so far removed, it doesn't really have the kick that it may once have.

That being said, by halfway through, you begin to get wrapped up in the fates of Candide and his pals that it moves itself into 4 territory, and all in all, is a pleasant, fast paced, moderately depressing, occasionally funny read.