There was so much hype about this novel, I was anxious to read it. I had not read anything by this author so didn't know what to expect. However, I was not disappointed.The characters are strong, the descriptions of the Museum of Modern Art and various paintings, New York City, Las Vegas, and Amsterdam are vivid, and the sad life of a motherless boy are enough to recommend this book.The first 550 pages are so well-written that I didn't want to put the book down. But  I did put it down, then picked up it up and it seemed as though I had never stopped! I would have given this novel 5 Stars, but after the first 550 pages, the plot got weaker and slower and stayed that way until the end.It's obvious Ms. Tartt put lots of research into her novel and she is to be commended. I will definitely read other books by her. 

Question: How is the write?
Answer: The first 550 pages are so well - written that I did n't want to put the book down