Yeah, the kids are exactly those kids (though I think they are specifically supposed to be upper class kids, not middle of any sort) but part of the point is that they aren't even aware of the class structure. The protag is confused by his gf's home, lack of travel experience, etc. And I suppose it's not wildly over-the-top to have them mutilate themselves all over as part of a fashion trend given some of the plastic surgery habits of the current rich, but still, it's not exactly what you might call subtle. And neither is that whale hunt, which actually made me throw up a little in my mouth.

I do want to try some of his other stuff though. Clearly he's thinking about interesting things.