monkeys and ponies

I completely agree with your comment here, as well as your review. I realize that in some ways, Doctorow intended this book as an homage to 1984, but the sad fact is that Orwell was a much better writer, and got his point across with subtlety and emotion. I never really cared what would happen to Doctorow's characters, because it was obvious they were going to triumph over the cardboard DHS baddies. The characters were merely avatars for Doctorow's personal politics and principles -- most of which I agree with! -- but that doesn't make them compelling or believable.