Play Book Tag discussion

When the Trim roulette stopped on Ragtime I inwardly (or maybe also outwardly) groaned.
Obviously I put it there, but since I never read the blurb, I had no idea what it will be about (well, US in the 20s probably?) and a month ago I suspected it was going to be an absolute dud.

I was very much mistaken.
This is such a good book!

The story begins with a very white and american fictional family. The owners of a american flags making company no less. From there it pans to a list of historical figures of that era (first decade of 20th century). Houdini; Emma Goldman, who I never heard of before but was fascinating; Harry K Thaw, Evelyn Nesbit; Stanford White. And each one of them added layers to the story. Another family - this time newly come immigrants from Europe joins the ensemble
The book discusses Immigration, American dream, capitalism, socialism, passion, cities, life of the rich and poor, prison system, transport. It gives a wide and detailed picture of America (and specifically state of NY).

It is a strangely structured story.
There are the two unnamed families and their fictional stories.
There are the famous people that weaves into the story beautifully.
And then comes Coalhouse Walker, a black pianist, the first fictional character to be named - and the story becomes his.
His story is pretty simple - a wronged man fights against the powerful system for justice (and vengeance).
(other great books about heroes like this - Michael Kohlhaas; Lord of the Barnyard: Killing the Fatted Calf and Arming the Aware in the Cornbelt

His is a simple and effective story, and around it there are many other stories for the other characters that connect and disconnect from his.
There are hilarious moments and heartbreaking ones.
The writing is so good I was owed at times.
It's the kind of book which can easily become hard work, but was surprisingly readable.

My brother in law Fred is a director of plays. He had directed Ragtime some years ago and even now, speaks of the play a lot. It had such an impact. It's my treat to see many of his shows and I did see this one - so glad you enjoyed the book!

I just found a book by this author The March and I picked it up for a "maybe read" for November. I have never read him before, so I am happy to see a great review on his writing. I am going to add this one too, just so I don't forget about it!

I think the author never gave names to the family members because he meant them to be representative of a type of family at that time. I remember this book as very much having a feel of "zeitgeist (a feeling of the times). It's been a while since I read this. I'm need to re-read it again someday.

I wonder if they gave the family members names in the play?

Holly R W wrote: "My brother in law Fred is a director of plays. He had directed Ragtime some years ago and even now, speaks of the play a lot. It had such an impact. It's my treat to see many of his shows and I did..."

I can't imagine it as a play. How cool!
I'd have loved to see it

Joanne wrote: "I just found a book by this author The March and I picked it up for a "maybe read" for November. I have never read him before, so I am happy to see a great review on his writing. I am ..."

Thanks for the tip. another book that looks good.
I dare not add it to my plans for the leftover of this year. It's getting silly short. Will await your review if you read it

Doughgirl5562 wrote: "I think the author never gave names to the family members because he meant them to be representative of a type of family at that time. I remember this book as very much having a feel of "zeitgeist ..."

I'm sure you are right - They are very representative of the white residents and the new immigrants. But the fact that there's only one fictional character that is named (well two - his fiance is as well) must make them the ones that stand up.

There is that feeling - which is really cool considering it was written many year after that era (1975). He really made it vivid and alive