The history of a man who is 140 years old but looks to be 30. Begins during the Civil War then switches to 1960's and goes back through flashbacks to fill in the details. This is one of my favorite all time books. The author's style is simple and straight forward. The author's intent is to entertain.
Characterization focuses on one or a few male characters.
The characters are developed over time. There are memorable and important secondary characters. The book will leave you feeling content, at ease, peaceful. The book is fanciful, entertaining, emotional, playful. The ending wraps everything up.