Not a bad book, but not a great one either. I did like the way the author contrasted the lives of immigrants and the very wealthy in the pre and post Civil War and some of the glimpses into other aspects of the history of the time. Didn't particularly like the blossoming love story between Clara and Mr. Carnegie. There was no way that would ever work out so seemed rather pointless. So, I read it all, I'm not sorry, but would I recommend - no.