The book's themes were ones which interest me. The difference between listening and hearing. Seeing through photography. Living as an immigrant in a new country. That was all interesting. 
There were other aspects that I found more difficult to relate to. Were we supposed to believe in Philippe's ability to predict the future? In a story which otherwise didn't have any magic-realism elements, that was a bit difficult. Some elements were almost too realistic, I could have done with a bit less description of all the violence in Paris in the period that was covered. The aspect of how the fashion industry promotes eating disorders and body dysmorphia was a point well-made.