I started this book was the idea was interesting, and I kept reading because the world, Italy in 1860, was something new and I wanted more information. But halfway through I realized I couldn't really read it much longer. 5-10 min tops was all I could spend looking at the pages because the story and characters didn't grab me. The prose is beautiful and Lampedusa has a great understanding of all his characters. I can see why years ago it was popular, but not so much today.