It's not intended to be a character driven story. Lack of character development doesn't matter because the story is focused on big picture ideas over the course of a very long time frame.

If you're not entertained by it, that's one thing. But to say nothing happens for 10,000 words is just ignorant and makes me question if you actually read it or just posting here to be contrarian.

Where's your African literature? Need to add Chinua Achebe or Ben Okri or Wole Soyinka.

I'd also suggest something by Salman Rushdie, perhaps Midnight's Children.