To tell his story of the changing nature of American society during the twentieth century, Updike turns to one of the most popular forms of fiction during that era: the saga or chronicle novel. Updike's imagined history of the Wilmots spans four generations, and although he gives unequal play to the progenitor of the clan, Clarence, he manages to display how the values which prompted Clarence's actions at the turn of the century linger in his great grandson at the end of the period. The modern chronicle novel, usually expansive and filled with details of everyday life, captures readers' attention by presenting generations of everyday people whose stories are both interesting in themselves but also typical of the adventures that many families have faced in their attempts to establish roots and make a good life for themselves.

Updike is a master at creating characters and providing minute details...