The cover is simple in design but the illustration seems to conceal convoluted concepts involving social disgrace for a failure to learn, a human brain and blue blood. Of course, I'd immediately pick the book from the shelf to find out more. The publisher explains it involves a speculative future (or alternative present) with a new societal norm for equality, together with 'real' families to illustrate and debate the laws and mores. I definitely want to read this novel. Then to find it's written by an author of the stature of Lionel Shriver makes it irresistible.