It's a good romp. Despite his tendency to numb readers with droning sentences, MacLeod spins a tense tale. Ellen May Mgwethu is a pithy character, while Malley is a fascinating cross between Albert Einstein and Dwight Eisenhower. The story is as unexpected as it is thought-provoking, although those new to MacLeod's playground may find themselves a bit lost, and pragmatics may have a bit of a problem swallowing his idea of a universe. MacLeod has spun a complicated society, in some senses rich, in others confusing.
Earth is nanotech compliant.
People thrive in huge, living buildings that are entirely self-sufficient. Pollution is a word without corporeal example. It's an appealing concept, a good place to live. On the flip side of the universe-creation coin, Earthlings exist without an economy. Folks take what they want, when they want, and presumably return it as needed.