Heaven and Hell

Volume Three of the North and South Trilogy

By: John Jakes

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 28 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

From America's master storyteller and writer of historical fiction comes the dramatic conclusion to the North and South saga.

The Civil War has ended, but the Hazards and Mains have yet to face their greatest struggles. Even as the embers of old hatreds continue to burn in the heart of a nation torn apart by war, a new future in the West awaits a new generation of Americans seeking a life of their own - and a place to call their own.

Filled with all of the vivid drama, passion, and action that have made John Jakes the acclaimed master of historical fiction, Heaven and Hell is the tumultuous final chapter in one of the greatest epics of our time.

©1982 John Jakes (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Book 3 gives the reader a true finale

Would you consider the audio edition of Heaven and Hell to be better than the print version?

Yes, great reader

What was one of the most memorable moments of Heaven and Hell?

When Constance was killed. Sorry if I spoil a moment

What does Grover Gardner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Passion

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No extreme reaction

best yet ,I lived it , rare md great great has it

was a great saga where from here?? what story can compete with the three

Typical John Jakes

As always, good story, good historical value, just plain good stuff. I never tire of his characters or of what they do and feel. Heaven and Hell held few real surprises, but I was drawn deep into the story regardless.

Well written

I saw the TV production of North and South when I was a little girl and wanted to read the book but never got around to it. When I purchased the audio I was a little hesitant. I was so happy that I did. The characters were well thought out with quite a few surprises along the way. My only dieber is that I wished that Ashton had a worse ending. :-)

Magnificient!

Here are my impressions, not necessarily in chronological order. Warning...spoiler alerts

Madelaine's writing letters to her dead husband - very good method of coping with grief.

Rise of the horrible KKK explained, as well as the motivation of some of the members.

Charles discovering the fruitlessness of the pursuit of vengeance, but the need to
beware of vindictive (Bent, Ashton) people.

I felt great sorrow over Agusta's death. And Constance. And Andrew and Patience.
And the Peace Indians. Lots of sadness in this book.

Did not like the name of Charles' horse, Satan. Spike would have been better.

Impressed with Willa - once Charles hit her, it should have been over.

George abandoned his children when his wife died. Wrong.

Impressed with the need to act immediately when threatened - Charles failure
to kill Scar got his friend, Grey Owl, killed, then got himself shot in the back.

Very much appreciated the history lessons.

Wood's attack on Willa and Charles' saving her - thrilling.

Real Life Mistake - Charles should not have given up his guns when
Bent threatened little Gus. He also should have accepted his two
friends' offer to go with him..

Virgilia and others enduring the ups and downs of life, maturing, gaining
in wisdom, risking more pain for love - very encouraging.

Again, good depiction of life - sex, friendship, children, work, politics, food,
drink, tobacco, oppression, loyalty, racism, fighting, animals - all realistically and well done.

Reader terrific!

I recommend this book and want to get other books by this author.

Grover Gardner is the GOAT

Classic even handed story read by the best in the business. Do yourself a service and listen

Good story

Kevin and Hill was as good as the first two novels in the series. Provided a very good insight into life in America immediately following the Civil War.

100 hours of great listening

The North and South Trilogy was awesome. I rarely give any book a five star rating but all three volumes were definitely 5 star.

Heaven and Hell

Any additional comments?

North and South, Love and War, and finally, Heaven and Hell is an American Civil War trilogy. This final edition is intended to be the reconstruction period, so I thought … the rebuilding of the southern states following the war. Although a terrific series, this novel is much more focused on the development of the west, the American Indian wars. The history is interesting, but frankly, it would have been a better story if the author had focused on reconstruction and stayed with the American Civil War theme rather than cowboys and indians. These chapters reveal the further tribulations of one character, his personal demons, and a great deal of grizzly abuse, animals and people alike.

Although the novels would stand alone, you’d be shortchanging yourself not to start at the beginning. One of the most difficult accomplishments, at least in my opinion, is for the individual characters to come to life, seem real and alive. Jakes accomplishes this with several of his characters. The reader will make friends and enemies of them all. A fun, educational, and um….very long…listen. The entire series is read by Grover Gardner, and is approximately one hundred hours of listening. Gardner does a great job, but a little slow for my taste, bumped it up to 1.5.

3 books 📚

What a great lessons in life and history! I love audible and these books let me love it more!😍