Ragtime (Penguin Modern Classics)

The Broadway musical "Ragtime" is one of my all-time favorite shows, yet I had never read the book. I finally bought it, and have mixed feelings. While I liked the story and the interweaving of fictional and real-life characters, my one big complaint is that the book seems to have been written for someone with a 6th grade reading level. Here is an example: "A certain light was still available along the Eastern Seaboard. Homer painted the light",or "'Stop the car' Evelyn said. Evelyn stepped into the street. She knelt down". I've read some other books by Doctorow and don't remember them being like this. The entire book is written in that style, and I found it highly annoying. I felt like I was reading a primer for a twelve year old. If he had a purpose for doing this, it escapes me.
The musical did a fantastic job condensing the entire novel, and my suggestion would be to buy the cast CD and skip the book.

an incredibly clever book that weaves together many different characters who touch on each others lives in some way. Sort of feels like a book version of the game 6 Degrees from Kevin Bacon in that very powerful people of the time period affect ordinary people. Good but not great, it is an entertaining read.

This book is excellent and the story is fast-moving and quite enjoyable. Each of the characters is developed and remains fascinating throughout the novel. Because of these attributes, the book is easily read and can be done so rather quickly.

Really scattered, connected yet disconnected, overview of life in the early part of the 20th century. Well researched, but did not lead me to care about the characters or what was happening to them.... they don't really grow as people....had to struggle to finish, simply because I was not compelled by the material.

Really a lovely edition of this classic work. It arrived in a timely fashion and in good condition. I was very pleased because it was a gift for a very deserving student moving on to doctoral study.

Overall, this was a very interesting read. I enjoyed the historical content very much. There was no real main character, and while it was interesting getting to know the ensemble cast, character development could only go so deep. Therefore, to me, the story felt somewhat impersonal.

Of course my student only read this novel because it was required reading for History. For others purchasing this book for their student, be aware of the provocative language, imagery and just plain innappropriateness for kids. Interesting read.

If you are seeking intelligent, elegant writing of wit about the human condition, E.L. Doctorrow is your man.
everything he has put his pen to is worth more than one read. Marjorie Darling Ward. (In the meantime why not call up a free look at my books?) Thank you.

Being forced to read this book, school purposes, i was actually not disappointed with it. At first the book is dull and bland, but after a few chapters the book is very interesting and i did not regret purchasing it.

Really a wonderful read. I bought the book because I am directing the musical version of the show and wanted to read the original source material. Was a fascinating read and makes me want to read more of his works.

I first read "Ragtime" twelve years ago, and loved it. It soared into my top ten list. I reread it recently for a book club, and I was disappointed. A lot has happened in the intervening years between the readings, and this work simply does not impress like I thought it would. First off, the novel is over praised to a ridiculous degree. Secondly, it has no real depth. It is a series of scenarios and vignettes with some cameos by historical figures thrown in for good measure. And the point of the text still eludes me. My book club is filled with college professors, English teachers, avid readers of immense education, and the novel fell flat, despite our best wishes for it not to. To appreciate this text, and to elevate its status, you have to project a lot onto it and I don't think that if a book is as profound as "Ragtime" supposedly is it should take so much work to make it seem good.
Now, that is not to say that I did not enjoy this text. I enjoyed reading it very much. I just don't think there is all that much to it because I feel like the story and characters are very surface. And I believe that E.L. Doctorow did that on purpose, I just can't figure out why.
I will praise the book's artistry. Doctorow does a lovely job of interweaving numerous fictional threads and historical figures in a mostly convincing manner. The book stylistically reads like a ragtime piano piece, and the beat of history and progress, and social evolution marches on relentlessly. I get it. But is there anything else sir? If not, the book does not have all that much to say.
Also perplexing is what Doctorow intends to show through the characters. In the character of Younger Brother and the black maid Sarah, Doctorow seems to be knocking people who allow their emotional and physical well being to be determined by others. But especially in the character of Younger Brother he belabors this point for way too long, and it does not seem to connect with any other plotline in the text. So, the point is...? Another qualm is his characterization of "the boy". This young child has thoughts that are well beyond even the most intelligent small child, and since Doctorow uses this character to express some of his philosophical themes, it reads as very unbelievable because you don't buy that the kid is really having these thoughts. It reminds you of the author, and his intrusion disrupts the story (such as it is) and further detracts from the text.
I am disappointed in "Ragtime". I wish I wasn't. If I read it again, knowing what I know now, I will probably enjoy it better for the simple fact that I won't expect much of it. Doctorow is a talented writer, and his "The March" is excellent and vivid historical fiction. Read it instead.

Read this book when it was first released, and really enjoyed it - am a great fan of Doctorow. Recently watched the film version, which was a fascinating film. Seeing the film prompted rereading the book for a second time. Adapting book to film was excellent - the essence of the story was wonderful. Recommend that you watch the film, then read the book - and enjoy both.