I first read this book decades ago and enjoyed it immensily. I also watched the mini series and enjoyed that immensly as well. Now finally someone has introduced an unabridged audio version of it, I'm thrilled. Having read the other reviews of this book I have to agree that this book is a classic. Actually it is an epic classic especially when considered with the other two books in this series. Jakes does a fabulous job of fictionalising historical events as this book and the two that follow it so apetly demonstrate. The narrator isn't bad, but he isn't good enough to do these books justice, although to be honest I'm not sure who would be. One of the other reviewers compared this book or series with the Winds of War - War and Rememberance series. He was right on the mark like taht series this series is also epic.

Interesting to feel you know how pre-Civil War citizens felt & behaved.... not much different that people today.

This is masterful story telling that captures the prevailing attitudes of the North and South leading up to the Civil War. If I didn't know any better, I'd think this was a Follett novel. Jake's style reminded me of Follett's century trilogy. A must read for anyone who found the antebellum period boring in history class, or anyone like me that loves Civil War novels.

I loved both North and South books and the way the story evolves from two boys being raised in two different worlds within one country, who eventually meet at West Point and develop a friendship that will be tested repeatedly throughout their lives. How events leading up to the Civil War shape and affect each of them and every person in their lives and the different choices they make and paths they take weave this into an intricate and detailed telling of a volatile time in our country's history that finally reaches it's breaking point. For me, there were times when the detail was swallowing me up and I was becoming disconnected, but these segments would pass and I was caught up once again.

While this trilogy has been around for over thirty years, it is almost erie that I chose to finally absorb their contents at a time when our country is as divided now as it was then. Will history repeat itself?

This book has been enjoyable, entertaining & enlightening. I saw the mini series long ago, but now I want to see it again. Just purchased the DVD. After listening to this audible rendition, I'm sure the story will be much more interesting & enjoyable. I highly recommend North and South.

What a work!!!! I was taken in from the start!! Never was it boring! Recommend to all!

This book makes you feel like you personally experienced this tumultuous time in our nation's history. I find it fascinating to get put in the minds of so many people and find out what they think about events as they happen and why they think that way. You get to experience different perspectives while also being entertained.

Very good, a favorite

Orry and George against Bent.

Orry and George taking down Bent, several times.

Yes.

A must-have for fans of historical fiction.

Ready to begin part two! The characters, history, performance, and drama are incredibly pulled together!

I listen to historical fiction to enhance my understanding of the past, and this book provided context. A credible interpretation of the American people and culture.