I listened to this one via my library's audiobook platform, and while I enjoyed it I think this might be a book best read physically, if you are able! I'm not at all saying don't listen to the audiobook at all, because I did, and I loved it, but if you know your attention span is flagging right now or you struggle already with lots of characters and time jumps, then grab yourself a paperback.

.

At the start, the narrator read out thecharacter list which took about two minutes and I was like oh my... What have I gotten myself into here?! But then I thought, when I read a physical book I don't memorise thecharacter list, I just start reading and figure out as I go. So I did that, and for the most part I managed to remember who everyone was and how everyone is related/connected.

.

I think my favourite characters in this sprawling novel were Agnes and Eloise, who are probably two of the main characters, if there can be main characters in a novel with so many! Agnes' story was tragic. Her life takes a drastically different path when she and her boyfriend are stopped by police on a rural Georgia road, both suffering atrocious abuse. Her story is pivotal to therest of the novel unspooling. Eloise's was a little more optimistic, she is an unapologetic lesbian growing up in the 60s/70s with dreams of being a pilot.

.

But this book is filled to the brim with characters, each with their own lives and issues. From the Vietnam War and segregation to interracial relationships and sexuality, Porter explores a lot within these pages. I was shocked to learn the book is only 300 pages, as there just is so much packed into it!

.

A definite recommendation if you love a sprawling family saga!