While I enjoyed the Unconsoled, I think my main problem with it was that I didn't feel like I had learned anything by page 450 that I didn't already know on page 312. And, I think, if you're going to write such a lengthy book, there really has to be a solid reason to go on for an extra 200 pages.
(Sorry Professor, but I'm going to have to disagree with you about 500 pages being "not that long" since I think you'll find that if you compare it to the average book, you'll find that most finish the race at the 200-300 page mark. So comparatively, it's just a bit long. :)
My thesis here isn't entirely true; I didn't get a full sense of the Stephen-as-a-young-Ryder until Stephen decides to leave the crazy dream town. I also really enjoyed the scene where Gustav is outdances all the other porters. I feel like there was something remarkably significant in that scene, particularly since Gustav dies so soon afterwards, but I haven't quite placed my finger on it. Gustav is, after all, the only character to die in the book and, as he starts the book and ends it, he is in a sense the soul of the story.
What I like best about Gustav is how he always retains his pride and his dignity. Even when detailing his bizarre relationship with Sophie or playing with poor Boris, he is always a figure of dignity. He doesn't have a glamorous job, he isn't a natural candidate to be the role model of the town, and yet he is so much more noble than any of the upper crust. Perhaps he's just a working class hero, but he is a hero, especially to Ryder.