Harvard Yard is a follow-up to Back Bay, and another Boston-centered multi-generational family saga. In this book, the Wedges inherit the legacy of an unpublished Shakespeare manuscript, given clandestinely to Harvard when the colony had outlawed plays, and hidden by generations of conscience-driven Wedges not sure that Harvard was worthy of such a remarkable gift. As befitting an academic novel, the history is not quite as icky as in Cape Cod. Peter Fallon is also a little more middle-aged — a little more sensible. ( )

Read, good location Harvard

I really loved this book..couldn't put it down! If you're like me and you love New England and/or Colonial History then you'll love it, too! The history of Harvard, which is intertwined in the story is also very interesting! ( )

The history is interesting, especially the early history of Harvard. After the Revolution (the one in 1776, not 1968) it devolves into a sequence of vignettes, with too many cameos by famous people. The framing story, which aspires to be a suspense-thriller with a hunt for a priceless manuscript and murders and a love interest, is remarkable for its inability to create and maintain tension, either narrative or romantic. Its shortcomings are partly made up by the competent writing and the wealth of details. It's likeable enough, I guess.

A little slow to start, but very intriguing. A basic understanding of American history and an appreciation for culture and antiquities makes this book much more enjoyable. ( )