Does the novel suffer due to its lack of female characters? How would it have been different with, say, a female narrator? Would be very nice if I could get an answer

Yes, the novel suffer due to the absence of female characters.

Explanation:

There is no novel in which female characters are not used. By using female characters, the story of different novels can be made more interesting. Female characters play a vital role in every novel. The romantic part of the novel will no be accomplished without female character. In different novels, mostly the male was the narrator but also in some novels female narrator was used for describing the story when the story belongs to the girl itself.

explanation:

it's important for any number of settings.   but then i'm a retired teacher and my view may be biased.

it certainly will not weigh as a minus when applying to a college, while poor grades always work against you.

other factors are important like what you do to improve the community.  

to not go near anything hot