The book is based around the concept that we are both body and mind - and what might thi  mean for the idea of uploading our minds into a computer.  It also explores a number of other concepts like the role of organised religion and the (im)possibility of establishing a colony on Mars (the 'awful planet'). That is precisely what good science fiction should do - explore societal themes by means of a story, or even literature.  
There were some elements which I particularly liked. One of the characters was a 'retired botanist with a passion for technology', which could sort of describe me, except I dislike the over used term 'passion' about ones work. I really like the idea of a 'gossip tense' in a local language.  
I was worried that it was going to be the start of a series with a cliff hanger but thankfully it had a proper ending.