It took me a couple of tries to get into this book - maybe the historical period isn't of particular interest to me. I kept after it and I really did enjoy the stories.This isn't a novel - it's a collection of stories previously published in periodicals. Don't expect a 'flow' - each story stands alone, as was the intent of the writer in writing for periodicals. The good thing about it is that you can read them story by story and put the book down not wondering what in the world happens next. The stories are entertaining and fun and short enough to read in one of those 'boredom windows' we all have - at the doctor's office, on the bus, or whenever we have to sit and wait for something.