The book has a level of understanding of Chinese culture and its people but the characterization of that culture and people still feel shallow. Like a caricature. Despite the fact  the author grew up in China. Nevertheless it is an interesting read containing the aspects of human flaw and the lives of those living in impoverish situations. 

All the characters are flawed but some only feel forgivable because those flaws feel more human than others. Or simply because those flaws by my standard just weren’t as bad as others. But it is that imperfection that makes the characters compelling.