Here is Just's masterpiece - an epic chronicle of three generations of Washington power brokers and the womenfolk who loved them (except when they ...
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reviews
Jul 22, 2009
Nikki
rated it: 
This rather cerebral novel about 20th-century American politics has little incident and a lot of analysis. It follows three generations of a family important in Democratic politics from a disappointing night in the life of Senator Adolph Behl (presumably during the Wilson administration) to a dramatic night in the lives of his son and grandson. Most of the Presidential administrations mentioned are real, although the last one is not. Axel Behl, the Senator's son, is involved in intelligence work
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Dec 04, 2009
Pooch
rated it: 
scud:(noun) 1. swift movement: a swift smooth movement
2. clouds driven by wind: low clouds that are driven swiftly by the wind
3. sudden shower or gust: a sudden shower of rain or gust of wind
cross the Rubicon:(noun) to do something that commits you to a particular course of action
[Early 17th century. After the stream in N Italy that Julius Caesar crossed illegally with his army in 49 BC, making civil war inevitable:]
point of no return: a point at which any ac More...
2. clouds driven by wind: low clouds that are driven swiftly by the wind
3. sudden shower or gust: a sudden shower of rain or gust of wind
cross the Rubicon:(noun) to do something that commits you to a particular course of action
[Early 17th century. After the stream in N Italy that Julius Caesar crossed illegally with his army in 49 BC, making civil war inevitable:]
point of no return: a point at which any ac More...
Mar 10, 2010
Lisa
rated it: 
If you don't know this about me, if I'm not in love with a book by page 100, I seriously consider giving up. I'm giving up on this book at page 130. Ward Just is "the" consummate novelist - he is amazing and such a great writer. His books are slow moving, though, and not a lot of action. Right now there is just not enough here to keep my interest. This is a novel of a political family, likened by many to the Kennedys. Here Ward Just brings you through generations of this politica
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Jan 31, 2012
Celia
rated it: 
This wasn't an easy book to slog through. I even had to take a break and read a mystery before tackling the second half of Echo House.
In this work of fiction, political power in Washington rests with a few men, most of whom are never elected to office. Fortunately, in Just's book, these men are not seeking riches or glory, but are truly dedicated to "good government". The media is mostly a handy tool, the electorate doesn't seem to be very important, presidents come and More...
In this work of fiction, political power in Washington rests with a few men, most of whom are never elected to office. Fortunately, in Just's book, these men are not seeking riches or glory, but are truly dedicated to "good government". The media is mostly a handy tool, the electorate doesn't seem to be very important, presidents come and More...
Dec 31, 2010
Geoffrey
rated it:
This was a solid book. I was slow to enjoy it but by the middle was enthusiastically hooked.
The characters were loathsome. Good, who says you have to like the characters to enjoy the book? Yes, politics fascinates me. The characters in BROTHERS KARAMAZOV were loathsome as well, but that was one of the best books translated into the English language.
It left a few dangling questions, however. I would`ve liked to learn more about the partisans, especially Alex`s heart throb.
The characters were loathsome. Good, who says you have to like the characters to enjoy the book? Yes, politics fascinates me. The characters in BROTHERS KARAMAZOV were loathsome as well, but that was one of the best books translated into the English language.
It left a few dangling questions, however. I would`ve liked to learn more about the partisans, especially Alex`s heart throb.
Jan 14, 2009
Lobstergirl
rated it:
This is a strange book. I was hoping to like it, since it's about Washington and politics, and it was a National Book Award Finalist. But none of the characters seem real (or likeable), and though it was published in 1997 it feels like it was written in the 1940s. It is a musty read. You just plod through the pages waiting for people to die, and eventually some of them do.
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Jan 07, 2009
Gloria
rated it:
People who like John LeCarre may like Ward Just. He writes dry, yet descriptive drawn-out prose with a moderately complex plot. It is a bit difficult to warm up to any of the characters even though the reader can picture them perfectly. This story provides an especially good look at politics during the Cold War era.
Oct 22, 2009
Marguerite
rated it:
Ward Just is a wonderful writer, but this inside view of Washington statecraft didn't fully engage me. The characters are nicely drawn, the interactions with real history interesting. Bottom line: there's little fun in the life of a political functionary. Folks fascinated with life inside the beltway might like it better. Just does a good job in describing the work of journalists: "His view of human nature was as wide as a column of type."
Jun 12, 2009
Lulu
rated it: 
I made it through to the end. This book was not "West Wing"! I only finished it because I wanted to see how it ended...and then I ended up skimming many pages.
The author's style wasn't enjoyable to me; it was confusing at times and I had to look back to remind myself who he was writing about.
USA today had Ward's new book listed as a great summer read so I thought I would check out an old one from the library. I won't be reading any more by this author.
The author's style wasn't enjoyable to me; it was confusing at times and I had to look back to remind myself who he was writing about.
USA today had Ward's new book listed as a great summer read so I thought I would check out an old one from the library. I won't be reading any more by this author.
Dec 15, 2010
Jorie
rated it:
The diction in this book is some of the best i have ever read. Just also does a fantastic job of weaving his fictional family into historical politcs.
Aug 17, 2010
Vanessa
rated it:
Ward Just certainly captures the contours of Washington and its transformations throughout the last century. His writing is beautiful, but the pace drags after the first few chapters and the plot never engages quite the way it should.
Dec 03, 2011
Read first <100 pages. Not Ward Just's better novel. And I like DC stories.
Sep 24, 2008
Sarah
rated it:
Didn't love this as much as An Unfinished Season, but maybe that's because of my Chicago bias. This novel, set in DC, follows the political lives of three generations of the Behl family and their friends, lovers, and associates.
Much of the political intrigue is described obliquely, and never fully explained (which is appropriate for characters who prefer to work in the shadows).
Much of the political intrigue is described obliquely, and never fully explained (which is appropriate for characters who prefer to work in the shadows).
Jul 25, 2010
Khaya
rated it:
I honestly tried, but I couldn't get through this book. Although I appreciated the writing, and enjoyed several of the passages and interactions, on the whole I found it slow-paced and ponderous with too much focus on politics, which doesn't interest me, and less on character development, interactions, and relationships, which interest me far more.
May 06, 2011
Latoia
rated it:
Not something I would have chosen myself. It was assigned by my intro to politics professor. It is an interesting read. The author does have get bogged down in to many details in a few places. But it is worth the read simply for the part in France during the second World War. I would recommend this book.
Jan 15, 2008
Chris
rated it:
The story of three generations of a Washington dynasty, this book has beautiful prose, some engaging characters, and a few absolutely stunning passages about political life in America, if not a truly gripping plot.
Feb 07, 2012
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