North and South

North and South Trilogy, Book 1

By: John Jakes

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 30 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Two strangers, young men from Pennsylvania and South Carolina, meet on the way to West Point.... Thus begins this brilliant novel of antebellum America, spanning three generations and chronicling the lives and loves of two great family dynasties. The Hazards and the Mains are brought together in bonds of friendship and affection that neither jealousy nor violence can shatter - until a storm of events sunders the nation and brings the cataclysm of war!

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

Truly enjoyable

I really enjoyed this book. I wonder how I escaped reading this book when it came out as I have always loved historical fiction. I do remember watching the TV show. i loved the richly detailed descriptions of the West Point cadet life and the different lives led by George and Orry in their respective industrial and plantation environs. I purchased the rest of the trilogy during Audibles most recent spectacular sale so I look forward to the continuing saga.

Better than the tv mini series

I loved the mini series and loved the book even more. There were some boring parts. For example, I didn’t need to know a lot about ship making.

I did have a problem with the narration. There was little to no warning between points of view and with so many characters that’s important. I found myself constantly rewinding a few seconds to figure it out.

Good writing and engaging story

This is my first experience with John Jakes. At first I found the story difficult to relate to. As I became more familiar with the characters I grew to appreciate and strongly enjoy the book. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the writing style of the author is not the kind of bland narrative of some contemporary creative writers, who are sometimes compelled to let the power of the story compensate for the quality of the words chosen. Instead, Jakes appears to have meticulously selected his words to craft a deliberate and flowing narrative. Though I found the story engaging and well written, I gave it 4 stars, for I am ranking this book on the basis of literature as a whole, and books such as 20,000 leagues under the sea are stiff competition. Don't let 4 stars dissuade you from considering this book, I rather meant the ranking as a complement against the greatest books of all time.

Absolutely loved it!

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.

amazing story! incredibly factually accurate too!

Incredibly will written story about the struggles between the north and the South leadiing up to the civil war. going to get book 2 for sure.

Great second Time!

Would you listen to North and South again? Why?

Yes. I had read North and South when it came out years ago, but hearing by audio proved just as enjoyable. The many different family members and the narration by Grover Gardner helped the story about pre-civil war and how it affected families on both sides.

What other book might you compare North and South to and why?

Lincoln.

What about Grover Gardner’s performance did you like?

I liked his voice; reminded me of you grandfather telling the story.

If you could take any character from North and South out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I would enjoy taking Cooper out because he seems very perceptive.

Great!

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

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend....no I HAVE recommended it! I learned so much about the beginnings of the Civil war.

What did you like best about this story?

I really love the historical background that the book provided.

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

It is difficult to choose just one character, but if I had to it would be George Hazard.

Who was the most memorable character of North and South and why?

I think Ashton Main was the most memorable because she is so devious and so shallow that she becomes an almost comical character that you hate.

Any additional comments?

Loved it! I will be getting the other two books

Always a treasure

I loved reading this book back in the 80's. Audible lets me go back in time and enjoy again. I listen on the road traveling from place to place. The narrator gave a superb performance bringing the characters 'to life. Going on to the next in the series immediately.

Awesome read!

This book is an amazing read. It not only is entertaining but the historical accuracy of the book just lends to its interest and deeper meaning. I can't wait to read books 3!

Untold History

“North and South” is the first book in the trilogy. I already bought the complete set of books. The main reason why I enjoy reading historical fiction is because it tells a story that no history course will ever cover. Most textbooks don't cover the history of what it’s like to be human. It’s all about conquering the mission and who got defeated. There is more to it, but yet we forget friendship, love, and hardship.

In the first book, John Jakes layouts the foundation of this saga of what it is to come during the Civil War. Two strangers, meeting at West Point and then becoming friends and their families unites until the war begins. These kinds of stories are our untold history that we forget people were human even back then despite what is being taught.