667. Ragtime

Ragtime
E.L. Doctorow
1975
Around 270 pages

E.L. Doctorow is a guy who you have an okay time with, but you don't really want to schedule a second date. Unfortunately, for the purposes of this List, I will have to hang out with him two more times, and probably have to sleep with him too. 

This is probably his most famous work, and centers on a wealthy family in New York in the early 1900s. Their fortune comes from the sale of flags and fireworks, and I guess it was a patriotic time. The most unique thing about this novel is how often Doctorow incorporates real people into his narrative, starting with Harry Houdini crashing into a telephone pole outside the main family's house. So this would be an interesting read if you are fascinated by the era.

Doctorow couldn't be bothered to name his main characters, because he is so busy name dropping real people that have no relevance to the plot. You'd think a book named after Ragtime music would be snappier and less tedious.

I did enjoy the moments where he was describing the music, which is not an easy subject to write about. If you need proof, check out my 1001 album blog!

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

In 1998, the Modern Library ranked Ragtime number 86 on its list of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century. 

Adapted into a 1981 film and 1998 musical.

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