The Cold Millions by Jess Walter Book Review

Title: The Cold Millions
Author: Jess Walter
Publisher: Harper
Genre: Historical Fiction
Year of Publication: 2020
Date of Publication: October 27, 2020
Pages: 352
ISBN-10: 0062868084
ISBN-13: 978-0062868084

Summary of The Cold Millions by Jess Walter

The Cold Millions is set in the early 20th century in Spokane, Washington, and follows two brothers, Rye and Gig Dolan, who get swept up in the labor movement during a period of social upheaval.

Gig becomes involved with the Industrial Workers of the World, while Rye is pulled into the world of various activists and agitators. As the brothers deal with the powers that seek to suppress their voices, they learn about sacrifice, loyalty, and the cost of fighting for one’s beliefs.

It’s a story of class struggle, justice, and the American Dream.

Main Plot & Characters

Gig Dolan: He is the older of the two brother. Gig is passionate about labor rights and social justice. He becomes involved with the Industrial Workers of the World (the Wobblies).
Rye Dolan: He is the younger brother and the novel’s main viewpoint character. Rye is much more practical and cautious and really just wants to survive in a world that has been harsh to him.
Elizabeth Gurley Flynn: She was a real historical figure. She was a fiery labor activist who inspires the workers.
Ursula the Great: She is a famous vaudeville performer who gets caught up in the brothers’ lives and has her own secrets.
Early Reston: He is a detective hired to suppress union activity and undermine labor organizers.
Brand: A Pinkerton detective working with Reston to quash the Wobblies.
Del Dalveaux: He is a wealthy mining magnate and union opponent.
Jules : A Russian anarchist and friend to Gig.
Sherman Dogwood: An older hobo who becomes a sort of mentor figure to Rye.
Peck: Another union organizer.

Memorable Quotes

“All people, except this rich cream, living and scraping and fighting and dying, and for what, nothing, the cold millions with no chance in this world.” — Narration
“It’s quite a thing when the world is upside down to hear someone say it don’t have to be – that a man could be paid enough to feed and house himself.” — Narration
“…history was like a parade. When you were inside it, nothing else mattered.” — Rye Dolan
“People expect a story to always mean the same thing, but I have found that stories change like people do.” — Jules
“There is no world but his one;. And all we want is to be seen in it… ‘I see you,’ the boy said.” — Narration

Writing Style

Jess Walter’s writing captures the spirit of the early 20th century. His narrative includes some historical details and brings the labor struggles of the era to life.

Impact of The Cold Millions

The novel was praised for its historical accuracy and engaging storytelling. This book sheds light on a pivotal period in American history and the fight for workers’ rights.

Have you read this book already, or is it on your list?

Author

Nathaniel Adebayo

Nathaniel is a Media Content Specialist at Verayea, where he specializes in curating content and gathering data for the company’s extensive book library. He is also dedicated to writing insightful reviews, offering thoughtful perspectives on a range of media. His work ensures that Verayea’s library is comprehensive, well-organized, and informative, providing valuable resources for its audience.