"I liked this novel for the first hundred or so pages. Limited third person from Bunny's point of view with the occasional hint of the author's voice held my attention, and I was interested in a novel set in Fitzgerald's era, also dealing with the rich. I think the characterisation of the father - Dad -was managed well as it is cler that he is a warm-hearted person but also one who succumbs to the demands of his situation. Bunny remains a rather naive idealist and one who allows himself the luxuries of oil wealth while oppposing the way this wealth is made. I found his lack of development both unconvincing and diminishing my interest." THE FIRST CHAPERS I FOUND EXCITING (STORY OF A YOUNG BOY) AND INTERESTING - (DETAILS ON DRILLING OIL) BUT (AND I AM A SOCIALEST) IN LATER CHAPERS SINCLAIR USES A HAMER AND SACRIFICED A GREAT BEGINNING FOR POLITICAL OVER KILL-PLB

Great story in the true "muck-raking" style of Upton's other works, such as "The Jungle". Bunny grows up as a boy of privilege in early 1900's Southern California, heir apparent to an oil empire; yet at the same time being tempted and led into a moral quandary, between the riches and influence lovingly provided by his father, to the social injustice perpetrated by this same system of influence, onto the poorer classes of people. ( )

A very good novel filled with interesting, well-developed characters, set against a backdrop that sticks with the reader. I read it after seeing the movie "There Will be Blood" and was delighted to find it a completely different story, yet just as captivating as the screen version. ( )

Writing style is wonderful, kept my interest even though the story line is awful. Upton Sinclair is a very good author ( )

This is the book upon which the movie, There Will Be Blood is based. Very interesting to read.