Romantics, reformers, reactionaries Book

This book was actually just like talking to an old relative, maybe a grandmother or great aunt. They tell many stories, many of which are touching and amazing and that inform you of what life was like in the old days or old country. But at the same time, sometimes the stories wander off, or are hard to follow. Sometimes it's hard to keep straight all the names of all the people they talk about. Sometimes you sort of daydream in the middle of them telling you their stories :) And sometimes, just every once in a while, you really want them to be quiet.