SUSAN S. (susieqmillsacoustics) -
Helpful Score: 3
This is an amazing book. I immediately became so absorbed in the lives of the characters and the daily realities they faced. This begins with Babe Ruth in the middle of the World Series in 1918 and begins to weave a tale that draws connections from there, to a powerful Boston police family and a struggling black man on the run. Many colorful characters, political figures, immigrants of many nationalities, and volatile activists are woven throughout. It is a gripping story that brings the times to life, from the flu epidemic to child labor, from the pending prohibition act to the Boston police strike in 1919. Lives are forever changed and, as true to life, not always a happy ending or justice prevailing for the good guys. What struck me most was the viewpoints of some who believed they were right and the inner workings of family ties and the hold they forever have on you. Absolutely absorbing!
Excellent, excellent, excellent!! Very well written page-turner. In the beginning the story was about Babe Ruth, Boston and baseball, and I thougth "uh, oh . . . " but give it a chance as it is not all about sports. Wonderful character development . . . Lehane writes like you are there experiencing the whole thing.
hard to put down
A historical novel- The story of two families one poor black, one white upper middle class swept in the mayhem of social unrest,revolutionaries, immigrants,ward bosses and ordinary people. Babe Ruth, is thrown in for good measure.
