this book has some of the most consistently superb writing that i've read - not only in prose, but structure as well. the plot of this book isn't so much a linear plot as much it is the meandering story of the rise and fall of a line of people and their town, jumping around points of time. however, every story beat and reveal feels carefully placed and the entire book has great, steady pacing. 
that being said, i would recommend reading this with the family tree accessible to help remember the character's names and relationships. the repeating names can be confusing to track, but they are important to the themes of certain traits and flaws repeating in the family. 

definitely one of the most fascinating books that i have ever read. i'll be thinking of this doomed family and their exploits for quite a while.