At first this read like a short story right out of the New Yorker. Each chapter was short and succinct, a little dry. I wasn't sure where it was going but continued along for the ride. Then, the author dealt an array of such charismatic characters I found myself fully enjoying each one for whatever they were meant to contribute to the story. The "bluff" theme was consistently brought up throughout the story but not ad nauseam. And the feminist vibe was there but not overpoweringly so, enough to appreciate but not shoved down the readers throat. All in all this was great fun, a quick read, with some surprise twist and turns. Once I reached midpoint there was no turning back, I couldn't stop! When you start reading early in the night and suddenly you realize it's well past midnight but you won't stop until you've finished- I'd say that's the sign of a great read!