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Liked It “If you like period pieces with some politics mixed in, you'll love this book. John Jakes is a good writer.” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“If you like period pieces with some politics mixed in, you'll love this book. John Jakes is a good writer. ”
Sheli P wrote this review 13 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Love a good historical fiction.”
Katie Corral wrote this review Thursday, November 12 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“One of the books I enjoyed through my Civil War book phase!”
shazp4 wrote this review Wednesday, November 4 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Great book! Also enjoyed the TV mini series with Patrick Swayze. Need to read again!”
Linda wrote this review Tuesday, October 27 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Another favorite,but be plan to spend a day or two on it because it's very long!”
Mandy S wrote this review Tuesday, October 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“When I saw the North And South miniseries on TV in the late 80's, I had to read the book, the first part of John Jakes' sprawling Civil War trilogy. This first book spans the pre-Civil War years, and the budding friendship at West Point between Orry Main, a wealthy planter's son from South Carolina, and George Hazard, a rich steel mill heir from Pennsylavnia. Jakes has a talent of blending intriguing fictional characters with real-life historical figures, and his attention to historical detail is both amazing and educating. ”
Joe G wrote this review Wednesday, September 23 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“The first installment of one of the great American literary sagas ever. Orry and George's friendship is so strong, it reminds me of a close friendship I use to have with someone long ago which is another reason why I enjoyed it so much - I could relate to the intensity of their friendship. ”
Steven C wrote this review Thursday, August 20 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Once read this whole series, and this winter I would like to do that again, so I have requested books on frugalreader.com, where I trade books and I had enough credits, found the books individually and will have them all very soon. What sparked my interest to this group of books again was my aunt (who has a guest house on the lake) has a bookshelf where we can take books and leave books..I remember when several family members were reading this series. I took "The Lawless", and thought I would venture out there to find the rest of them. I find the background of the Civil War in this series interesting.”
Pattie W wrote this review Sunday, October 5 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“After watching the TV series for several times I always wanted to know if the film adaption meets the book and if there isn't much more to the book than the love between Orry Main and Madeline. I am so pleased that the book rarely is about their love but much more about the Civil War, the facts and peoples adaption to it. The love thing between Orry and Madeline's running completely alongside without much bla.
Sleepy wrote this review Wednesday, July 23 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Instead John Jakes wrote a novel that almost feels like written by a contemporary witness.
Orry and George's and later Charles' and Billy's education at West Point was quite impressive. Especially that they actually had to learn things that aren't required in todays education to become a soldier. Also the changes between North and Southeners in the years between the first generations education and than the second one. In a few years West Point changed from a sligth hostile place against Southeners to a place where nation's were already divided due to their way of living.
The book tells a lot about the differences, and the reasons about the secession. It also tells about fears and patriotism nevertheless.
A few funny things need to be mentioned. They were completely left out of the series or changed:
For example Elkanah Bent is described as a small, fat man with an affection not only to women but young girls and boys as well.
What was missing in the series is the reason why Bent hates Charles as much as he hates Orry. They got a history and honestly a much mnre shocking one than what happened between Orry, George and Bent at West Point.
Orry lost one arm while fighting against the Mexicans.
George's been a ladies' man. He ssed to pay quite a bit for his entertainment during his West Point years.
Cooper, introduced in the third part of the TV series is Orry's brother, who lived in Charleston. They were pretty near later in the book but also, Cooper is a huge part of the book as well. He was completely left out of the series until he suddenly appeared as the bad brother.
In the book he isn't bad at all. In fact he's quite critical with the Southener way of life and slavery. He's likeable.
I could write more but you've gotta red the book. It was an eyeopener to me.
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