I read most of it but it just got to be too much.

It was kind of like Cashelmara. The story was just too long for me!!

However, the characters were interesting and the story had its moments.

I found myself engaged at times, especially when the characters were interacting.

The author did a good job of creating a vivid world and making the characters come to life.

But, as I said, the length was a bit of a deterrent for me.

I think if it had been shorter, I would have enjoyed it even more.

Overall, it was an okay read, but not one that I would highly recommend due to its length.

I absolutely adored Cashelmara and The Wheel of Fortune. I'm eagerly anticipating reading Penmarric. Howatch's series, which reimagines the infamous Plantagenets in a'modern day' context, is truly captivating.

Consequently, I was really looking forward to The Rich Are Different, which retells the story of Caesar, Cleopatra, Mark Antony, and Augustus. However, unlike the Plantagenets, about whom I have extensive knowledge, I've never delved into the story of the Romans. I was eager to explore their tale and get lost in a sprawling family saga filled with love, lust, hate, and murder. Regrettably, this didn't quite pan out for me.

Perhaps my lack of familiarity with the story held me back. Maybe the 1920s Wall Street setting wasn't to my taste. It could be that the similar narrations between the main characters made it all seem a bit too monotonous. Or perhaps it was simply a bit too masculine and focused on the boardroom for my preferences.

I'm not sure whether it's my fault for not fully embracing the Roaring Twenties Romans or Howatch's fault for not effectively selling them to me. All I know for certain is that I'm extremely disappointed. Nevertheless, I'm still really looking forward to Penmarric.

My sister had a great time making fun of the title of this book - which might actually be the worst title ever.

However, I was well aware that Susan Howatch doesn't simply pen another trashy novel. Her works are retellings of historical couples, placed in a more contemporary era. (I'm not very knowledgeable about ancient Roman history, which this one seemingly emulates.)

Another aspect that Howatch always incorporates is the shifting of narrative perspectives. Each of about half a dozen major characters narrates a significant portion of the book. Once you've delved into someone's mind in that way, even the most despicable villains become more sympathetic and/or understandable. She does an outstanding job with the narrative voice - one of the best I've ever witnessed, anywhere.

This particular book is set among investment bankers in the 1920s and 1930s on Wall Street. It features fabulous characters, great descriptions, and an engaging plot. Nevertheless, the first half is far superior to the second. A major character passes away, and everything seems to lose its focus. Still, given that it's Howatch, it's truly quite good.