The Book of Daniel is a semi-historical novel loosely based on the lives, trial and execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. Doctorow tells the story of Paul and Rochelle Isaacson (corollaries to the Rosenbergs) through the persons of their older son, Daniel, and his sister, Susan, who are college students deeply involved in 1960s politics. The presentation constantly shifts through backflashes as Daniel faces his [and his sister's] inability to honestly tell his life story. While there are some crude descriptions/language in places, the novel as a whole is historically informative and instructive and socially thought provoking.