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I got sucked into this book, sort of like the drain behind my house. Some interesting perspectives on New York City, I learned a lot about the history (as well of 18th century Ireland), but the characters weren't very well developed (oh, well, I guess it isn't a chick book).

This is the second book I've read by this author and it was even more wonderful than the first (Snow in August). Fantastic, engaging, extremely well-researched. I know a little bit of NYC history, but I learned a little more with this book, which also puts all that history into a very personal context. Cormac O'Connor is a wonderful main character. You feel his pain and joy. Pete Hamill is an author I'll be keeping on my own shelf.

This is amongst the best books I've ever read! Extrememly well written and a page turner. A young Irishman saves a slave who turns out to be a babalawo (like a shaman). The babalawo grants him eternal life as long as he doesn't leave Manhattan. You watch the city change from the early 1700's to the present day. Reading it was like living in history.

Donna V.

This was the September 2011 pick in my online book club, The Reading Cove. I found it bone dry. The writing style was so boring, I was FOREVER YAWNING.

The plot lines felt disjointed and nonsensical, and Cormac's evolution was the same. He remained 2-dimensional for me, and I never connected with him emotionally. His sex life was overdone, and his quest to avenge his parents was just plain laughable by the end.

The story makes a huge leap in time toward the end that just sealed the deal for me. The ending was anticlimactic and had me rolling my eyes.

The premise itself had lots of potential, but the execution was very disappointing. I can't recommend it.