Mrs. KL, not JL's review: Read this, or a version of it, when I was young (found it while clearing a basement in the late 50s or early 60s). As good as I remember but with more details, or perhaps I now understand more that was only discreetly hinted in passing. Read the book about "Mama Rose" too, and recommend it as well, as it helps makes a clearer picture of family dynamics. Remarkable, occasionally dysfunctional family of survivors during interesting and sometimes difficult times in US history. As a professional historian (and sometimes overly curious little old lady) always interested in how an individual's choices shape a life full of both challenges and opportunities, I think the book is well worth reading.