Love and War: Volume Two of the North and South Trilogy

By: John Jakes

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 42 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

The Main and Hazard families clash on and off the Civil War’s battlefields as they grapple with the violent realities of a divided nation.

America's master storyteller continues his reign with Love and War, a story steeped in passion and betrayal. With the Confederate and Union armies furiously fighting, the once-steadfast bond between the Main and Hazard families continues to be tested. From opposite sides of the conflict, they face heartache and triumph on the frontlines as they fight for the future of the nation and their loved ones.

With his impeccable research and unfailing devotion to the historical record, John Jakes offers his most enthralling and enduring tale yet.

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

The Heartache of War

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would recommend this audiobook to a friend because of the two families who the novel has been centered around. This made the novel easier to follow. The Hazard's from the North and the Main's from the South. These families become the best of friend's when two young meet at West Point. Their friendship carried over after leaving West Point. Their extended family members were soon included and that two man friendship began to grow. Letters and visits strengthened the bond. That bond would be tested time and time again when the Civil War began. After the Civil War ended the structure of both families had suffered. This audiobook presented an extraordinary description of how the Civil War was fought. The Hazard's and the Main's filled the pages of how these two families had to fight on opposite sides and still try to remain friends when the war was over.

What did you like best about this story?

The consistency of keeping the Hazard's and the Main's involved during the war. There were interludes between both of the families on and off the battlefield. When the Civil War ended the two families will have to struggle in order to find their way back to each other. The separation caused by the war will be difficult to fix.

Which character – as performed by Grover Gardner – was your favorite?

Charles. He was visible during many of the battles. His conscience was frequently tested. Charles is faced with multifaceted decisions when the war ends. The descriptions of Charles during the war and after the war are a worthy listen.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Pitting Friends and Families ...... One Against the Other

Any additional comments?

The novel provides quite a history of the Civil War. Having the two families to concentrate on, made the listen a good one. The many descriptions of the battles, guns used, loyalties between men fighting side by side, the bond of trust that solidifies the honor of man and country, North or South. These scenes were written in such a way that I found it enjoyable to listen. I didn't get bogged down in too much rhetoric, that I felt enough was enough. I wanted to continue until the book ended. I'm looking forward to the last novel in the trilogy.

Kept my attention

For all 40 hrs. The author was very good at bringing the reality of that war and its impact to life

Excellent historical novel....excellent reading...

can't wait to start part 3. character development and historical value made this most memorable reading

Loved it. Fascinating time period.

Loved it. Even better than the TV series, which I've watched several times. I enjoyed the deep character description and the stories greater detail possible only in books. Heading into Book 3 for the first time, and even though I've watched the series, I feel like it's the first time I'm hearing the story. I'm excited!

Good listen with today's current events.

The deeper understanding hatred in the past and today current issue of equality and fairness. A bridge to build a new future of friendship and trust.

An engaging novel with a glaring mistake.

John Jakes is a master of the historical novel and Love and War doesn't disappoint. a rich texture with believable characters. I was shocked in the beginning of Chapter 111 when John Jakes seems to have forgotten that he had earlier taken Orrie Main's left arm. (he describes Orrie using "both hands" to cover a sneeze)

Otherwise, a vibrant and complicated story. Grover Gardner is the perfect match to orate this story.

Better than I remembered

I first read this trilogy in print 3 decades ago. Sweeping, heart wrenching, tender and savage by turns. It’s a powerful reminder that life is, and always has been, a struggle between fanatics and reasonable-minded people.

Not your average Civil War book

Would you listen to Love and War again? Why?

I will definitely listen to Love and War again. If history class had been this interesting in school, I probably would have paid more attention! This is NOT another factual account of Civil War battles. This is a look at all the things you didn't learn in history class tied together in a story line that will let you see and feel both sides of the the most atrocious event in American history. The characters were so real. You loved them, you hated them, you understood them, and you didn't. You come away from it feeling like you have lived through that period in history.

What other book might you compare Love and War to and why?

Obviously, North and South, however, I liked this one much better. Often you think you will be disappointed by a second book in a series, or by a book that has been made a movie or t.v. show, but this one will change your mind.

Which scene was your favorite?

Without spoiling anything, it involved Sport, the horse.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Impossible due to the length, but I listened non-stop for days!

Any additional comments?

If you like historical fiction, don't miss this one! I was very moved by it. It is definitely one of the best uses of my credits in recent years. I can't wait for the third installment in this series to be released in Audio!

Great sequel to original

There were a few slow parts in this book but all in all a very enjoyable listen. This book gave me new insights to the Civil War which I did not previously have and that is also worth something.

Solid story, excellent narration

A very good follow-up to the first book. Liked the characters. Loved the details. Vivid, lusty, touching at times, too.