Based on the reviews, my book group was expecting a funny book.  Other than a few Mona Lisa's, we did not find it terribly funny.  I think if the author had selected 2 or 3 themes, instead of the never ending collection (coming of age, revolution, I forget the rest;  I'm repressing), the book would have better held my interest.  As it was, I forced myself to read the first 200 pages and could stand no more.