Jordan

3.5 stars

Loooved this. The sprawling timeline, the way the language and mood of the characters evolved to match the more modern settings and sensibilities. The narration shifted perspectives so seamlessly. I was never confused about whose perspective we were getting even amongst a scene with multiple characters. In the first couple chapters, the cast evolved so quickly that I didn't think I'd care about anyone by the end, but that is not the case. I'll think about these characters for a long time.

4.5 probably but I've found myself thinking about this world more often than almost any book I've read this year. (The Great Believers is #1, but that could be recency bias)

A strong 4. Having just read East of Eden, I needed me some more Steinbeck. The introduction to the books says he wrote this to play out like a film and it absolutely does. Speaking of the into, if your copy has it, wait to read it until after you finish. It gives basically the whole book away.

4.5 stars. I “liked” this more than the first. As much as one can like a book about such horrific history.