Have to say I don't think you should bother with the rest of Riddley if you didn't like the start: the way it's written is most of its charm I'd say, and if that annoys you there isn't much else to persevere for.

From my limited experience (2 books) Russell Hoban is an original-ideas man, ambitious, determined to blaze trails that none have blazed before. He may overreach himself I think. But what valiant attempts!