Reviews

The Cold Millions by Jess Walter

teresaalice's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars.

I remember how much I loved the Beautiful Ruin, and although it was a long time ago, I hope I'd have the same bittersweet love for this book. It was good, but as I'm not a huge historical fiction fan and I overlooked the fact that it took place in the early 1900's, i just wasn't as captivated as I wanted to be.

Though, don't get me wrong, it was still a great story with memorable and captivating characters.

lisanussd's review against another edition

Just not the right time.  

readtotheend's review against another edition

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.5

This is a historical novel that takes us back to 1909 as we follow two orphaned brothers primarily in Spokane, WA as they get involved with the labor movement and we get a glimpse of what unionizing was like back in the day.  They come across a wide variety of characters in their journey from all walks of life and that was probably my favorite part of the book. I especially liked the parts with Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, a real historical labor leader and one of the founders of the ACLU.  The audiobook was excellent as it was a full cast.  I wasn't quite sure if I'd be engaged with this story but Walter does a great job of immersing the reader into that time period.

laynie_rearick's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.75

aimeebrand's review against another edition

4.0

Read for 2023 reading challenge: this book was a specific title on the challenge. It was a little slow for me to start but it was a good read. Takes place in Spokane and Montana which always makes it interesting for me. Early 1900’s about the labor union protests. Has some harsh realities about the fight people had to make to get where we are today. Interesting topic that I probably wouldn’t have learned about had it not been required reading for the challenge but I’m glad to have read it.

rayl's review against another edition

adventurous informative inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

manugareau's review against another edition

informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

kangaruthie's review against another edition

5.0

I wasn't sure to expect from this book, since I felt pretty lukewarm about Beautiful Ruins. I was surprised, in fact, by how much I loved it. It could partially be because it takes place in the Pacific Northwest, where I grew up and still live, and I loved learning more about the history of Washington state. I also really loved the characters, who felt convincingly multifaceted in their motivations and struggles. Though this novel is set in the 1900's, its commentary on themes such class, racism, and power still ring very true to our society today.

katel1970's review against another edition

4.0

A moving story.

janeeileen's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this book. It's an action-filled historical novel set in 1909 Spokane. The main characters are brothers Gig and Rye Dolan, who travel the rails looking for work, and Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, an activist trying to help the IWW labor union. Struggles depicted are relevant today. Parts of the book are great but backstories disrupt main storyline.