Matt Ruff continues to evolve as a writer. Each of his three novels is completely unlike the others, and each is interesting in its own way. Although Sewer, Gas and Electric is the most fun, I would argue that Set This House In Order is the most mature.

In House, Ruff creates three fully flesh-and-blood characters, Andrew Gage, Penny Driver, and Julie Sivik, whose lives are complicated tremendously because Andrew and Penny both suffer from Multiple Personality Disorder. The point of view is divided primarily between the "core" personalities of Andrew and Penny, but each character has a half dozen "souls", with decidedly different personalities, so the interactions get to be quite rich.

On his website, Ruff explains that his portrayal of Multiple Personality Disorder is intended to be believable and self-consistent, but not necessary based in reality (MPD is not very well understood). I will vouch for the believability and consistency of the work, and go further to say that it's wholly involving and fascinating.

Happily, the strengths of the novel go beyond characterization. The plot arc is carefully constructed, with threads weaving in from the beginning and converging at the end, without ever being overly predictable. The end feels slightly rushed, and the epilogue is tacked on, but these are very minor quibbles.