This book was very different, spanning the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s in America, right on through to the year 2026.  It is the story about a family, with its generational differences in points of view, each one earnestly trying to do what is right, from their highest sense of motive. Underlying all this, is the story of big oil and its affect, which is complex, sobering, and ubiquitous.

The action here spans from oil deals in Iran to put the Shah back in power, through protests of the Vietnam War in New York City, and to the idyll that is Vermont. And there are consequences, both for the family in the story, and us as complicit bystanders.

One is left to wonder if “progress” is a misnomer. Maybe it is only a greedy indulgence or collective delusion.  This leaves you thinking about global changes, like the extremes in weather– not only where is is all leading, but where it stemmed from in our avaricious imperialism. Our choices and actions matter beyond our own lives, rippling outward, as that is made so clear in this book.

The writing here is good. The story time moves along through parent and their offspring. By about half way through, there builds a sense of foreboding. By the end you are left wondering how to do it differently. It is very well done over all.

You may like Last House if you are interested in a thoughtful family saga with historical context, philosophical leanings, and questions about sustainability. I give this one 4 stars.