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91st out of 3,145 books
—
13,791 voters
North and South (North and South #1)
by
John Jakes
Part history, part novel, this book chronicles two great American dynasties over three generations. Though brought together in a friendship that neither jealousy nor violence could shatter, the Hazards and the Mains are torn apart by the storm of events that has divided the nation.
Paperback, 812 pages
Published
June 1st 2000
by Signet
(first published 1982)
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As good now as it was when I last re-read it about 20 years ago. The characters are vivid, the action broad, and the emotions reflective of the thorny period of history in which the story is set. There are good people and bad (and some really bad), scenes that are both funny and tragic, and it's all a marvelous soap opera Americanus. No wonder they made a mini series of it.
Since I've seen the tv version too many times to count, reading this was like watching it all over again but it was very ent...more
Since I've seen the tv version too many times to count, reading this was like watching it all over again but it was very ent...more
Someone at work was about to take the North & South Trilogy to the library, but offered them to me instead. I took these three massive tomes, which I remembered dimly from the 1980s (along with the TV miniseries adaptation) with muted thanks. No, I'll never turn down a book, but I expected some poorly written, overblown mess -- something like what you'd get if VC Andrews decided to write a historical trilogy. I put it off for nearly a year, and then finally cracked open North and South, full...more
5 likes · like · see review
I learned about this book, and the other two that compose this series, by chance. I was watching TV when I came across its adaptation, which my parents remembered of seeing it and, tried to portray the American Civil War. Since I know little about it, I thought it would be interesting reading it.
The story of this volume revolves around the years before the civil war, giving the reader a chance to know two families, the Hazards and the Mains, which came from two distinct backgrounds. The first fa...more
The story of this volume revolves around the years before the civil war, giving the reader a chance to know two families, the Hazards and the Mains, which came from two distinct backgrounds. The first fa...more
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4 likes · like · see review
I am a big John Jakes fan and he has written a masterful trilogy on the American Civil War. Any of John Jakes books are both educational and entertaining.
Great historical fiction novel. John Jakes is the best historial fiction writer.
John Jakes writes fascinating yet comfortable books. Comfortable in the sense that they are not difficult to read and follow but are still engaging and in depth. I especially enjoy how he reveals characters and his ability to show character development over a lifetime. This is a long book and there are many years accounted for. Keeping characters engaged and relevant in the story is an accomplishment. These read like real people, and the creation of such takes some masterful and sophisticated wr...more
If you saw the movie, wipe it from your mind and then read this trilogy!
All the characters are so real. You may not know what they are going to do but it sure makes sense when they do it. In the beginning you meet 2 young West Point cadets. These men and their families you will follow from before, during, and after the Civil War. And be glad you are getting them now. I tried not to read them until I had all three,
I thought i had learned my lesson from the Kent Family Chronicles...but no! I had...more
All the characters are so real. You may not know what they are going to do but it sure makes sense when they do it. In the beginning you meet 2 young West Point cadets. These men and their families you will follow from before, during, and after the Civil War. And be glad you are getting them now. I tried not to read them until I had all three,
I thought i had learned my lesson from the Kent Family Chronicles...but no! I had...more
FICTION/ HISTORICAL LITERATURE
Part 1 of the North and South trilogy.
The North and South trilogy tells the story of two families before, during, and after the American Civil War. The two families in question, the Mains from the Southern state of South Carolina and the Hazards from the Northern State of Pennsylvania, are bound together primarily through the friendship of their second-eldest sons Orry (Main) and George (Hazard), who meet at the beginning of the book, in 1842, at the West Point Mili...more
Part 1 of the North and South trilogy.
The North and South trilogy tells the story of two families before, during, and after the American Civil War. The two families in question, the Mains from the Southern state of South Carolina and the Hazards from the Northern State of Pennsylvania, are bound together primarily through the friendship of their second-eldest sons Orry (Main) and George (Hazard), who meet at the beginning of the book, in 1842, at the West Point Mili...more
So, the first 150 pages of this took me FOREVER to read. I just couldn't get into it, couldn't remember who was who and just felt generally kind of overwhelmed at the idea of reading 800 more pages of this...
All at once, it picked up for me and I read the last 650 pages in just a couple of days.
This is the first book of a three book series. It is the story of two families that are BFF but live on opposite sides of the Mason-Dixion Line during Civil War times. This first book was everything leadi...more
All at once, it picked up for me and I read the last 650 pages in just a couple of days.
This is the first book of a three book series. It is the story of two families that are BFF but live on opposite sides of the Mason-Dixion Line during Civil War times. This first book was everything leadi...more
Jul 26, 2011
John Harder
added it
My girlfriend recommended this book to me, and I am appalled that her lily-white and pure hands ever held such a dirty book. There is plenty of stirring of loins and heaving of breasts in this bodice ripper. Jakes throws in a history lesson so you do not feel as guilty about a guilty pleasure. Might I add, I plan on reading the other two books in the trilogy.
No one would ever accuse Jakes of writing literature, but this novel accomplishes its purpose. His primary goal is light entertainment sur...more
No one would ever accuse Jakes of writing literature, but this novel accomplishes its purpose. His primary goal is light entertainment sur...more
1 like · like · see review
I read this book for a challenge because one of my friends on good reads disliked it.
Overall, I enjoyed it. It had interesting characters and an engaging story line. It all gives the reader an understanding of what circumstances were like in America, socially and politically, before the Civil War. I particularly liked the way the sections about the war with Mexico and circumstances at West Point juxtaposed with a biography I am reading about Ulysses S. Grant.
However, there were certain things...more
Overall, I enjoyed it. It had interesting characters and an engaging story line. It all gives the reader an understanding of what circumstances were like in America, socially and politically, before the Civil War. I particularly liked the way the sections about the war with Mexico and circumstances at West Point juxtaposed with a biography I am reading about Ulysses S. Grant.
However, there were certain things...more
I hadn't read one of John Jakes's books in many years so when I found this book at a used book store, I thought why not give it a chance. I'm glad I did. It was a fantastic book and I can't wait to start the second book in the trilogy. One of the aspects of this book that surprised me the most was how much of the attitudes in the book could translate to today. Both Northerners and Southerners had drawn their "lines in the sand" and didn't want compromise at all. They were willing to go to war ra...more
It was the mini series that set me out to tackle this read. Unfortunately, as can happen in rare instances, the movie was better. The screen captured the characters unlike the author who fell a bit short. You just didn't care as much. Though the point of the war was well taken in this historical fiction. That is this book's strength. I will never look at the Civil War in the same way again. I had no intention of reading the rest of the trilogy. The first one was too hard to get through so I didn...more
Really enjoyed this and looking forward to Love and War, book 2 in the trilogy.
I hate to think these great historical series from the 1980s are in danger of being forgotten. They're well-written, accurate historically, and interesting with a good mix of characters.
I hate to think these great historical series from the 1980s are in danger of being forgotten. They're well-written, accurate historically, and interesting with a good mix of characters.
1 like · like · see review
North and South is the story of two families, the Hazards, from the north, and the Mains, from the south. Orry Main and George Hazard meet on their way to West Point Academy. It is here they form a friendship and bond that should last a lifetime. The county is in turmoil over the issue of slavery. Orry and George start to wonder if their friendship can withstand a war.
This book was amazing! There are many characters to follow but Jakes ties them all together in a neat little bundle. I knew I wa...more
This book was amazing! There are many characters to follow but Jakes ties them all together in a neat little bundle. I knew I wa...more
Although this series has been available for quite some time, I have finally undertaken the reading of this epic story. When I saw that the first book had 883 pages I almost swooned. So much for a quick read! thought I. But I chipped away page by page and was soon finished. I must credit John Jakes with creating an historically accurate story so interesting, and characters so complex, that I simply had to keep reading. I was compelled to do so.
The Hazards and the Mains have been part of my life...more
The Hazards and the Mains have been part of my life...more
I love this time period of history and I was attached to the characters from the start. Admittedly, I did skip over a few of the longer descriptions about military maneuvers but I feel I didn't miss anything important to the storyline. The last two chapters felt rushed to me, like he had only 15 more minutes of quite time to write, so he just summed up what everyone was doing or thinking.
I did check out the next in the series and I did order the DVD set from Amazon (it was only $16 for the 8 di...more
I did check out the next in the series and I did order the DVD set from Amazon (it was only $16 for the 8 di...more
The story is authentic America. A sweeping, epic story telling the tales of two distinctly American families, this tale captures the spirit of the times, the goodness that can be found in people and the poison found in others. This sets the stage for the next two books, and while it stands alone, it makes you want to find out what happens to George and Orry, and to the Hazards and Mains. Set in the years leading up to the Civil War, this book discusses slavery and how it affected the slaves and...more
Ah, the Hazards and the Mains. Combine them and you have drama a plenty! I LOVE this story. First, I love the time period and the resilient and courageous spirit of the people who lived then. Second, I plain love the descriptions of the characters in this story - I feel like I know each one. I was never a big Orry fan and liked George, Billy, Brett, Madeline, and Constance. Actually I wish there was more about Constance in this series-I felt like she was a character that I only saw develop a lit...more
Nov 07, 2011
Josh
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Fans of the miniseries and history buffs
I was around 12 years old when I first saw the miniseries "North and South." Within minutes, I was hooked by the unfolding drama of the two families as they struggled with the events leading up to the Civil War. It was soapy, sexy, and a ton of fun to watch. I have watched this miniseries at least once every two to three years. I never tire of it. For years, I have wanted to read the book the show was based off of. Each time I would pick the book up, peruse it, and then set it down. For some rea...more
Jakes' North and South is not the best of books. Its themes could have been explored more deeply, and the characters are superficially drawn,they're figures you love to love or hate. The plot is too contrived. And yet, I was hooked from the first page till the last. For all its flaws, North and South is a thrill to read and experience. In addition, Jakes makes the civil war, the events and motives that led to it, understandable, yes tangible, for those whose knowledge about the war is limited to...more
ohn Jakes is extremely popular, and I can see why. Through two families, he shows how complex opinions were on both sides leading up to the Civil War.
A few characters are very black and white regarding slavery (Virgilia - the John Brown follower of violence to stop slavery and some southern politicians and plantation owners). Many characters on both sides oppose slavery, but find a hard time turning against their native home.
Jakes does spin a good yarn - throw in a couple of evil characters (J...more
A few characters are very black and white regarding slavery (Virgilia - the John Brown follower of violence to stop slavery and some southern politicians and plantation owners). Many characters on both sides oppose slavery, but find a hard time turning against their native home.
Jakes does spin a good yarn - throw in a couple of evil characters (J...more
1 like · like · see review
I picked this one up at my in-laws while on vacation. My MIL doesn't understand everything in the book or she wouldn't own it. The characters and story pulled me in, but I almost put it down half a dozen times. Too many bitterly angry and vengeful characters. I'm not a fan of the excessive swearing and overt sexuality. Sadly, I want to know what happens to the characters, so against my better judgement, I'll probably end up reading books 2 & 3. :-X
Guess I should have known better - next time...more
Guess I should have known better - next time...more
I finally finished it! And it was so good! I watched the mini TV series of this, and I thought that it was really good. But this book was ten times better. I love the characters, the plot, and the fact that all the historical facts are a.) correct, and b.) entertaining. Cousin Charles is my favorite character. He's handsome, funny, while also loyal and brave. I should also mention that all the characters you should like, you love. All the characters you should dislike: you hate with a passion. (...more
John Jakes creates compelling characters weaving a captivating story, bringing history alive. He delivers exactly the book I wanted.
I wanted a story to bring alive the time of the US civil war. I wanted to better understand the mindset of the people. John Jakes brings the right amount of human weakness and strength to characters, letting us into their motivations in realistic fashion. I learned the stubbornness of the Southerners and the self-righteousness of the Northerners. I learned attitudes...more
I wanted a story to bring alive the time of the US civil war. I wanted to better understand the mindset of the people. John Jakes brings the right amount of human weakness and strength to characters, letting us into their motivations in realistic fashion. I learned the stubbornness of the Southerners and the self-righteousness of the Northerners. I learned attitudes...more
3 likes · like · see review
John Jakes, one of my very favorite authors. Jakes brings history to life!
Gritty, humorous, ugly, beautiful, jarring, horrifying, enlightening; Jakes forces the reader to understand that the Civil War was personal. His characters are deep and well-developed; I dispised some, loved others. Not based on whether they were Confederate or Union, but because of who they were as people.
Note: If you read a lot of John Jakes' books, you'll get really good at the American History questions on Jeopardy!!
Gritty, humorous, ugly, beautiful, jarring, horrifying, enlightening; Jakes forces the reader to understand that the Civil War was personal. His characters are deep and well-developed; I dispised some, loved others. Not based on whether they were Confederate or Union, but because of who they were as people.
Note: If you read a lot of John Jakes' books, you'll get really good at the American History questions on Jeopardy!!
I have a lot of issues with this book. It seriously annoyed me in many ways.
The historical interpretation is just so disingenuous. It's as point for point conventionally bias as a school textbook. The history is all so one-dimensional. First I don't believe anywhere near that amount of people were opposed to slavery for moral reasons, with perhaps a few rare exceptions ,most Yankees were opposed to slavery for economic reasons, yet in the book tariffs are shown more as a secondary cause after m...more
The historical interpretation is just so disingenuous. It's as point for point conventionally bias as a school textbook. The history is all so one-dimensional. First I don't believe anywhere near that amount of people were opposed to slavery for moral reasons, with perhaps a few rare exceptions ,most Yankees were opposed to slavery for economic reasons, yet in the book tariffs are shown more as a secondary cause after m...more
North and South is the tale of two families, the Hazards of Pennsylvania and the Mains of South Carolina. Orry Main and George Hazard meet in their first year at West Point Academy and begin a life-long friendship - although that friendship will be sorely tempted as the debate over the rights to own slaves threatens to split the country in two. After their military service in the Mexican wars end, George returns to run the family's iron works and raise his family, while Orry returns to the Main...more
4 likes · like · see review
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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| The war against Mexico | 3 | 21 | Apr 03, 2013 12:01pm |
John Jakes, the author of more than a dozen novels, is regarded as one of today’s most distinguished writers of historical fiction. His work includes the highly acclaimed Kent Family Chronicles series and the North and South Trilogy. Jakes’s commitment to historical accuracy and evocative storytelling earned him the title of “the godfather of historical novelists” from the Los Angeles Times and le...more
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I do know exactly when I last read this trilogy - or at least the 3rd book in it. Was cleaning hospital rooms at the time, so...more
Dec 05, 2010 02:26pm
Dec 05, 2010 03:48pm