I think it is interesting that technically you could probably argue that there are many things wrong with the book, and yet many people like myself, that would normally be irritated by such things, didn't find a problem with them. Though clearly others did
. I just found the style of writing and description so enjoyable that I didn't mind the somtimes meandering nature of the story. As Digs said I just enjoyed going along for the ride! I even enjoyed the drawn out description of the laying of the cable towards the end, that I know irritated others. I found it gave a great sense of the calm before the storm.