Aww. Sorry it didn't work so well for you. I really enjoyed it, but I think for the detailed historical portraits as much as anything. I definitely agree that Harper is (intentionally?) utterly unsympathetic.
I think it's partly my own fault, as I read loads of books in between... But on the other hand, if you're really enjoying yourself while reading that won't be possible... I'll just try Broken Monsters (hopefully without the interruptions) and see if that's better.