Customer Comments

So much of American history is hidden because it contains ugly truths. Author Madley exposes the brutality at the core of California settlement by white Europeans hungry for land and gold. Although this makes for a tough read, his scholarship and compassion raise the discourse above simple reporting. As I walk the cities and trails of California, I cannot help but reflect on all the conflict that Madley brings to light. His facts from years of research also yield philosophical questions of reparations and healing.

This novel awes me in its scope, humor and art. It is largely centered around Charlie Chaplin and the fictional and non-fictional characters who whirl around his legend. As an added bonus, within this book lies the drama of Rin Tin Tin, drawn beautifully by Glen David Gould as fiction but with rigorous research and historical fact to add depth to the colors. To me, this version of the "Rinty" story is far better than the new Susan Orlean non-fiction book. Not knocking that one, but Gold really captures the emotions and details of war and redemption.

Beautiful language and an imaginative, intriguing plot that travels through time and many countries. Brooks makes the centuries-long survival of a single book (based on the Sarajevo Haggadah) moving and unforgettable. The main character, a book conservator, is feisty and smart. She is an ideal detective as well as a fully-realized human being.