I wasn't sure I would like this book, but it was a very interesting read. I had to remind myself that this book is about 45 years old, mostly because it never felt like it. The biggest complaint I have is that the chapters are super long, like 50 pages each. My favorite chapter dealt with a lengthy discussion about The visit, the Zone and humans in general. If you are someone looking for female characters in this book, you will be disappointed. Only one of the women sees any time and it is only in spurts, but it's a Russian novel from the '70s, and I can't be too surprised. 3.75 out of 5