This is a purely didactic novel, and as such it consists of lengthy passages of dialogue that expound on principles of economics - most particularly how supply, demand, and prices work, why markets are important, and why it's a bad idea for the government to control prices. As such, it's not much of a story. It lacks tension, and because the characters are largely props, it's not possible to become attached to them. It has a forced feel to it.

The economic lessons are well explored and illustrated with examples, and this book might be a good introduction for anyone who lacks a basic understanding of economics. It's the sort of thing I'd hope anyone who thinks price controls are a good idea would read and consider. The author uses the dialogue between the characters to communicate some of his moral philosophy as well, and he attempts to instill in the reader a sense of awe for how things work out efficiently through the economic system.

However, if I were new to economics, I think I would much prefer to read a 20-page essay explaining these things than a 200-page novel. It dragged quite a bit.