It’s not respected by the “chattering class”, because it points out their follies. Among people who have to deal with life’s realities, it is very well respected. In 2000 there was a poll of best books of the 20th century. Among the literati class, the #1 book was Ulysses. The readers poll ranked AS # 1. And we should be glad Hollywood hasn’t made a movie of it, as they would rip it to shreds.
That readers poll was an internet poll wasn't it?