A book of disparities.

Rich vs. Not rich
Male heirs vs. Female heirs
Black vs. White
Loved vs. Unloved
Benefactors vs. Non
Big house vs. Little house
Good men vs. Bad men
Slaves vs. Slave-owners
Good parent vs. Bad parent

Family is complicated, and this book does a great job depicting some of the struggles. Each sibling is very different, different morals and ideals, clashing and coming together. Phillip is a detested character, fully earned, who disrupted and damaged lives of countless people, so his death is not very moving. What moves the reader is way others reacted to him, not just in the moment but throughout their lives. Just when they think they're out from under his thumb, able to build better things from the wreckage, in pops a stranger with a wholly different experience and some shocking revelations

It's a book of reactions as much as disparity. Contemplation, confrontation, but all reactions to rich men who made the estate what it is. Expect to be moved, frustrated, and to pity.

Warning, there is copious substance use throughout, infidelity, cruelty.