A review by arielamandah
The Cold Millions by Jess Walter

4.0

4.5 or maaaaybe even 4.75 stars. This was a really good book. Like, a really, really good book. Everything was here: interesting characters, turn-of-the-century Inland NW, Walter's consistently good writing, moral conundrums. The only thing that was a miss for me was the timing - and that's on ME. I brought this book home from the library at a moment in time (in history?) when it was hard to get swept away in a delicious novel. So it was a slow burn for me. Being as distracted as I was, it took me longer than it should have to get into the rhythm of Walter's structure and to get a feel for the characters. However, not surprisingly, once I was there, I was IN. And, of course (no surprise) it ended up being a very timely read as well - demonstrations and protests and violence in the streets and with the police. Rye's meditations on the river of history were perfect for our moment.

I think this book will grow on me even more as time passes. If you've read Inland, by Tea Obrecht, there's something about this book that has a similar feel. Maybe it's the time when it's set, but I think the two are very complementary reads - I would definitely recommend them both.