This novel is a beautiful representation of the dying Austro-Hungarian empire told through three generations of men making the fortune over the long reign of Franz Joseph I. It’s a tale of decline and loss of self; the youngest Trotta is torn between not knowing what to do with himself and not wishing to disappoint his father and the memory of his grandfather, a great hero. It’s a poignant metaphor and a great way to convey the spirit of the Empire, holding on to its former glory but headed nowhere.

Franz Joseph is in here for a few sparse chapters, and I loved this depiction. He is so kind in his interactions with the Trotta family. He’s a weak man himself, losing track of time but always being grateful for the moments that feel so close to him, the time of his glorious battles. 

Generally, I thought the story was really slow and uneventful, though I obviously get the historical context and appreciate it what the author was doing. I still struggled to feel a strong emotional connection, so I couldn’t really rate it higher.