This book was okay for me. I really like the description of the society during this time, and the commentary the author provides on rich vs poor, city vs farmland. The main reason I rated it only 3 stars is because the protagonist raked my nerves, which I guess could be a good thing. But he was a character, that for me, didn't develop. If anything, he ended up regresses and making dumb decisions, and how he justified his actions, OMG, kill me now. But through him, you can see a bit of what the author is trying to show you: that no one, born rich or poor, can escape the fall of pride especially when that pride is tied to wealth. Also, it shoes the disconnect that parents can have when they try to do better for the kids, but don't show the kids or tell them about the struggle and then expect them to have the same mindset and mentality as the parent. That part was very poignant with me. But yea, it was a good book, I love the wife. so I would give it 3.5 stars maybe four if i think about it some more.