
I found the practical first wife, Augusta, very likable. She was only the eleventh woman to live in Denver! Having heard the legend of Baby Doe as a child in Denver which, of course, was a big modern city then, I found this fact intriguing.
What I didn't like about his book was Karsner's judgmental commentary. Silver Dollar is a tragic character and although what I learned made me sympathetic toward her and filled me with understanding, I didn't get a sympathetic vibe from the author.
He gave absolutely no depth to Baby Doe. Even though he met with her in her cabin, he didn't ask her pointed questions. He says "I attempt no interview with Baby Doe. It would have been folly to do so. The story had been told to me many times by numerous people, probably with more clarity and authenticity than she could remember it and piece it together . . ." This made me think Karsner was a bit of a jerk. I got the feeling he (remember this book was released in 1932) didn't relate to women. Their personalities and actions are limited and shallow.
Still, the author was able to bring a tear to my eye. I like how he writes and I'm glad I read this book.