To be honest, The Lion of Boaz-Jachin and Jachin-Boaz was the only other Hoban novel I've ever gotten through--it's quite beautiful, and written in more of a "plain English" style than Riddley. Some say Pilgerman is even better than Riddley but you couldn't prove it by me.

And yeah, Fanty and Mingo's real names--and Mr. U's connection with Wash--were wonderful bits to learn.