The book is a fairly long read for a monthly reading. Most of us didn't quite finish it but all said they would. As a group that has been meeting for several years, we are expanding our selections by adding more historical based books. We are looking to expand our knowledge of history and how it relates to what is happening in the world today. Our growth as a group has brought us to a point that we are all gaining a renewed thirst for an understanding of the world around us. History can teach us much..Reston takes some liberties with his characters which creates a compelling story. It is a rich and engaging book with the best of fiction and fact.