Beyond its character-driven narration, Weiner’s story unfurls a detailed history of 20th century America, often detouring into interesting snippets—from the Titanic’s sinking to the ideals and political machinations of Tammany Hall—designed to shore up the text with historical background. When Bill Roth, Patrick Doyle, and Anthony Carbone cross paths with Oscar Klein, fortune truly begins to favor them: Klein, a street-smart orphan from Philadelphia, arrives in New York penniless but determined, and his instinctive business acumen leads to a venture between himself and the family representatives, a development that Weiner dedicates much time to fully fleshing out.

Weiner threads the ideals of philanthropy throughout the novel, as, over the generations, the four families channel their wealth into charities, medical work, and more. Just as altruism becomes a character in and of itself here, so, too, does New York City, as it grows and evolves alongside the novel’s cast, swelling and ebbing with the ups and downs that accompany carving out a life from virtually nothing. This is a poignant reminder that the true measure of success lies not in wealth or fame, but in the bonds we forge and the legacies we leave behind.

Takeaway: Inviting generational saga of four intertwined families in 20th century America.

Comparable Titles: Zadie Smith’s White Teeth, Ann Patchett’s The Dutch House.

Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B+
Marketing copy: A-