Okay. I love this story. I have read it at least 10 times over the years, and my understanding and appreciation of it has increased over time. The story is highly compelling, at least to people who would like to play the games described in the story. And, the storyteller has accurately judged what real life details could be stripped away while still allowing the reader to 'live the story' and get to know the key characters. It does require a suspension of disbelief, but so do all stories.