Holway has spent decades interviewing players, managers, and fans; it is not surprising that he lets them tell the story as much as he can. The story of Charleston's career is told by dozens of witnesses, people who observed him from almost every angle, and it is to Holway's credit that this potentially overwhelming conglomeration of views flows smoothly, connected by his own sharp observations.

That Holway tells much of Charleston's story through the voices of many other people keeps Charleston at a distance; his personality remains unfathomable. On the other hand, the numerous quotations gives the narrative an authenticity that makes for compelling, you-are-there reading.