A great, truly American, novel. The narrator and main character, Jack Burden became a good friend of mine, as I read his mind from the beginning of his acquaintance with Cousin Willie Stark, until its end. Robert Penn Warrens, fluid prose and enchanting descriptions, had me see through Jack Burden's eyes, day after day. The book is long, but the attachment Warren sows between You and Jack, bring you back no matter how normal Jack's life is.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is Jack's last name, Burden. It illustrates one of greatest themes of the book, the burden of history and truth on the present. The story revolves around Jack a student of History bearing and describing the burden it presents to mankind.
I highly recommend you reading this awarding winning novel.