Thank you for your fair minded words. I have never written in answer to those who have written absurd things, inventions, about the book or to those who have never read the novel but sagely add further negative comments.
In any case, I’m glad you read the book and I send you all my best wishes.
By the way, Paul La Farge has written a very fine,illuminating essay about the novel which may be found on line and which is the preface to the most recent edition of the book published by Imprint Editions.