This book is a more than passable diversion, though it will not shake your faith in humanity (or lack thereof) to any great extent. Nor will it influence your political beliefs, or even suitably demolish your basic sense of self. It will, however, fill those empty hours of your day with well-drawn characters presented in such a manner as one might expect from a work prepared for that nebulous entity known as the "young reader". None so well developed and admirable in nature than the one known as Natch, as he simply steals the novel from all the other sundry personages, due in large part to his inherent magnificence. A magnificence unseen, if I do say so myself, since the time of Julius Caesar. If you don't read this work for any other reason, then do so for the glory of the young Natch. Truly, his glorious following has to start somewhere and it might as well be formed upon your metaphorical backs. I do not say this because I feel some affinity with the fictional lad, I do so because all mankind longs to be ruled and he's as likely a figure as any. Read the book, and meet your natural born master. Hail Natch!