Homer and Langley by E.L. DoctorowMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
The story, based on true events, is intriguing not only for the perspective of our blind narrator, but also for the time capsule-like quality of this family saga.
The eccentric brothers of the title, who for a time were part of the New York City Society elite, eventually fell to disgrace, poverty and a tragic fate. How their lives weave into the historical events of the 20th century is the genius of the author's work. The characters are easily sympathetic, and also set apart from their society in ways that mark the interest of their story and beget the horrors of the end of their lives.
Weathering the choice between family and one's own dreams and the ties that bind us to those choices are themes that are central to the book. It was really quite a dramatic book, with riveting images painted by a great storyteller. Highly recommended.
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