Has Irving lost his touch?

I found this disappointing story. I Was not time immediately caught up in Irving's latest world as I Was with Owen Meany, for example, gold or Garp Twisted River. It was too "preachy" quite repetitious, and though the causes he defends is a worthwhile one It Would have been better served by more Elaborate characterization and a more baroque plot-line. The blurb mentions humor. I did not laugh at all. There Were Some colorful characters (Miss Frost, Kittredge, Grandpa Harry ...) They aim lacked depth and I did not much engage with the narrator.
I found the AIDS section moving, HOWEVER.