Powerful storytelling with complicated characters who bring their whole selves to the page. Every character was really richly layered with all their foibles and dreams and while I didn't like everyone, I could at least relate in some way to every character. I loved the grappling with the question of who are the real americans? What does it mean to be American? It explores class and race, inheritances of all kinds, and what it means to make choices that affect your descendents. Definitely recommend this book!