I have absolutely no idea what is going on

I have heard so much about this book and I think it is going to be one of those that some people absolutely rave about and others just don't get. At the moment, I'm not sure which category I am likely to fall into if I get to read the book. The extract suggests elements of dystopia, fantasy and allegory but there's also a slightly creepy feel. Do I want to be The Sixteenth Person? Not sure but I'm definitely curious...