I have to say that I absolutely loved it and would rate it above his other works also (just started baudolino so can't really comment on it)

I agree with your criticisms of the female characters - some people just can't write from the other perspective - and the rambling does get to me sometimes - the sequence in South America was really irritating from this point of view.

I would disagree about attacking any meaning - I think this is a deliberate ploy. One of the ways of viewing the plan is as a joke about the nature of reality. It therefore makes sense to give the reader two choices in viewing the events - the "joke" of the plan or the harsh reality. To allow other interpretations would break down the barriers between the two.

That's how I see it anyway.


I was raised by a toothless, bearded hag,
I was schooled with a strap right across my back