Caledonian Road has been rightfully described as a state of the nation novel. I enjoyed reading and thinking about many of the issues it raised, while despising the majority of the characters. I think it was particularly strong on the class system, and nakedly self-interested corruption. So many characters were crying "poor me" and bemoaning threats to their privileged situation yet they had no conception of real struggle and hardship. The migration storyline, however, was particularly gutting. This novel is ambitious, sprawling and, dare I say it bloated. By the end of it I was totally jaded and felt the only way forward would be to burn the entire political, economic and social system, down and start again. Many characters did get their comeuppance but somehow it didn't seem nearly enough. The issues this book highlights aren't new or unique known. The real problem seems to be finding the will to do something about them.