An Embarrassment of Riches

‘Here she is!’ Alexander was shouting. ‘This is your new daughter-in-law! An Irish peasant . . . An illegitimate . . . illiterate . . . Irish peasant!’

1860: Alexander Karolyis, only son of the wealthiest entrepreneur in New York, spends most of his adolescence battling within his father. Nothing he does is considered correct. The girl he loves is...