A review by greenej
The Cold Millions: A Novel by Jess Walter

3.0

I have much praise for the writing in this book, and for the author's choice of topic--IWW free speech fights in Spokane in the early 20th century. Walter creates a powerful portrait of laborers, tramps, and activists fighting for their rights--as well as the Pinkertons, police, spies, and employers trying to bring them down. He focuses on two young brothers caught up in the drama and their interactions with a showgirl and Elizabeth Gurley Flynn. It's an action-packed book and Walter gets the history right, but it's not got much depth in terms of character development or motivation. As a result most characters in the book come across as one-dimensional. Still, if you want a fast-moving book that explores early twentieth century labor and radical history, this is well worth your time. (PS was happy to see the author acknowledged some excellent labor history as sources for his story, including Lara Vapnek's fine biography of EG Flynn.)