This is a very interesting book, we take the railroads for granted and don't even think about them unless there is an accident or toxic spill. It also reminds us that corruption by corporate giants was alive and well over a hundred and fifty years ago, nothing new here folks. Anyway, it was an amazing feat, foot by foot, mile by mile, tunnel by tunnel, bridge by bridge, almost all done by hand and pure muscle out in the middle of nowhere. One Irish boy and his father grieving the loss of mother/wife and learning how to be a family together one hardship at a time. Great read.