I tried to read this book ages ago and didn't connect. Thankfully I kept it around in order to try again. Tepper is always very thought provoking for me. I love meditating on all that she mixes into her writing. 
 Having only read this and one other book by Tepper, my opinion is limited. As much as I enjoy her, I have a hard time seeking out her books and getting into them. There is a willingness to think necessary in reading her. She is not an easy or escapist type of read for me.