I just finished reading Gore Vidal's 1876.

The novel isn't bad, but I personally found it a chore to read through. I guess if you really like novels where a lot of political intrigue and backdoor deals and conspiracies are about, then the novel is for you, but just saying it like that makes it sound more interesting than it is. A good majority is spent on I guess you could say "world-building". He really puts you into the US ca. 1876 with guest appearances from various people of those times like Mark Twain (Who was cast in a less than friendly light by Vidal, although that might have been just the perspective of the protagonist)

My issue was probably the fictional characters were not as interesting as the real historical characters (With the exception of Emma, I guess), but the entire story focuses on the fictional characters with the historical characters being a backdrop of sorts to the times.

One thing though: If the novel is any way accurate to history, then things haven't changed for the US. Corruption seems to be quite the American tradition.

I was going to read Vidal's Burr next, but I got so drained from 1876 that I'm putting that on the backburner for quite a while. I don't hate it, but I wouldn't say I liked it either. It's something I read and oftentimes forced myself to read. The last chapters were really great though, as it was all about the election and the whole mess surrounding it.

...

Next on my to-read list is American Gods. I haven't started it yet, but I'm excited, as it's my first foray into his works. Hopefully it doesn't turn out like my foray into Vidal and I end up really liking him.