Weak in some places but didn't detract from my enjoyment. Overall a good read. I like where it's heading thematically so I have hope it will get even better. I think if I had to listen to Garen (i.e. in an anime) I might be irritated but in print form it's not terrible. Each chapter so far is pretty strong.
I watched a film called "Departures" or おくりびと not too long ago, which gives some insight into Japanese people's negative feelings around funeral workers. If you are interested in those themes you should watch it, it's a great film.