I'd give it a 9.99. I must confess I didn't read the novel and didn't even know about it, but to me it's beyond sick, even for a novel. I used to have respect for Webb, but this is way beyond the pale. I also used to live in Virginia, (9 years), and I don't believe there are many Virginians who are not very disturbed by this.
The quotes from the novels Webb has written that I had read on Drudge are atrocious, despicable and of no "redeeming value" (One of the US Supreme Court tests for defining pornography- can't remember what case-I think Miller vs. California). I don't care how the Dems spin it, most mainstream Americans will find it repulsive!!!
On the "Redeeming Value" test, note that what is defined as a "redeeming value" in San Francisco is quite different from what is considered a "redeeming value" in Middle America. Yep, most people would be offended by what has been written in Webb's novels. Webb's face will have to turn purple with trying to explain/justify these turgid lines and STILL he won't be able to make it fly.