Hmm. Before I get stuck in, I should say that I was compelled to keep reading Jennifer Government until I reached the end.
Also, I read it with ultra high expectations after it was highly praised by a fellow collective member (bbc alternative culture forum RIP).
Written in short and snappy chapters, the plot is great and moves very briskly. Bouncing back and forth between four or five different threads which eventually interlink with each other to form the whole picture.
It's straight forward and unpretentious.
So why only three stars?
Firstly, it is NOT hilarious. Humourous, yes. But don't expect to laugh out loud.
Secondly, it is almost all narrative. Describing what is happening perfectly. But we don't get enough of what the characters are thinking or feeling. In my humble opinion.
Don't be put off though. Jennifer Government is a very enjoyable, fast paced tale. Filled with healthy cynicism. And probably not too far from the truth.