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I also just finished it, and loved it - I was immediately taken by the almost dry writing style, in short sentences, and tricked by the style which seemed to suggest that real characters got proper names, while fictional one only a description, until, that is, we find Sarah and Coalhouse Wilkie.
As a foreigner, I am sure I've missed a lot of hidden references, irony and mocking as my knowledge of American history in general, and of the time period covered in particular, is scant to say the least, but to me the book painted a fascinating, troubling and fraught snapshot of those "ragtime" years.
The book is of course extremely political - not just in contrasting the worlds of the have, the have nots and of those who are trying, not for the maybe unlikely words that are put in some characters' mouths (most notably in Younger Brother's at his last exchange with Father), not only of course in J.P. Morgan's quest for perpetuity or in the whole Coalhouse episode - but in the development of two characters in particular, Mother, who blossoms through the pages, Father, who wilts, and Tateh, who struggles and makes it. Great read, cannot remember who nominated it, but thanks nonetheless!
ccowie: I have been in a similar spot for a while now - best of luck with your surgery!
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