I'm on page 172 of 434 and yet I STILL feel like we're in the exposition.  We're spending a good 50 pages or so per character in the same cycle- minding their business, realizing what's going on, rinse, repeat. Nothing of substance has actually happened yet. Additionally, I think this book may be in some ways too niche. Each character is supposed to embody the characteristics of their borough. For those who are from a more rural area and/or are less familiar with the NYC area, I think a lot of the nuance of the characters is lost on me, making this extended exposition feel extra long-winded. I could push through and have a fine time, but I don't want to read fine books. I think I'm just not the right audience for this one.