SB,
I am around page 600 and it is just now getting into Oswald. I too love it thus far. Don't say, but I can't imagine how it's gonna end. I love King's description of the past and his description of Oswald on a personal level and Jake, Sadie characters. You're right Oswald is NOT likeable.
So far anyway, very little politics. I'll let you know. I expect to finish it in the next day or so.
Btw, today is 11-22 I remember it like it was yesterday.
TIS