The novel offers a slow-burning, sometimes tedious examination of postwar Japanese society through the lens of two alien factions debating humanity's worth. The final debate on humanity’s value is seen as dull, causing the novel to fizzle despite a slightly stronger conclusion.
The Goodreads review acknowledges the novel’s ambition in tackling complex themes such as conformity, politics, and humanity’s future through the story of the Osugi family and their rivals. However, the reviewer finds the narrative pacing slow and the philosophical debates toward the end somewhat tedious and incoherent, which diminishes the overall impact. Despite this, the novel provides a unique and thought-provoking critique of society and human nature, though it may not fully satisfy all readers due to its uneven execution. The contrast between the hopeful Osugis and the nihilistic rival faction adds depth but the story’s momentum suffers in the final sections.
Quick quotes
Overall though it's a strange, incoherent and occasionally tedious novel.
Most of the final fifty pages are a dull debate on whether humanity is worth saving.
The Osugis are contrasted with a rival alien faction led by resentful academic Haguro.