Charleston

By: John Jakes

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 18 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Charleston follows the lives, loves, and shifting fortunes of the Bells - saints and evil-doers mingled in one unforgettable family - from the American Revolution through the turbulent antebellum years to the Civil War and the savage defeat of the Confederacy. Delving into our country's history as only he can, Jakes paints a powerful portrait of the Charleston aristocracy who zealously guarded their privilege and position, harboring dark family secrets that threatened to destroy them all. Sweeping from the bitterly divided Carolina frontier of the 1770s through the tragic destruction of the city during the Civil War, Charleston represents America's premier storyteller at his very best.

©2002 John Jakes (P)2011 Simon and Schuster Audio

Read this while visiting Charleston

Where does Charleston rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Not really my usual choice but I was visiting Charleston and wanted to understand that incredible city better. A little heavy on the romance and melodrama but those descriptions seem to characterize the times.

What did you like best about this story?

The history.

Book is great-person reading is all wrong

Would you listen to Charleston again? Why?

No - could not get through it. Did not enjoy the narrator and felt he was all wrong for this book. His voice was way too old sounding and he didn't portray characters well. Love john Jakes books and have read them all. Also lived in Charleston.

What didn’t you like about George Guidall’s performance?

Every character sounded old and male.

Trite

I looked forward to listening to this John Jakes book. I was very disappointed. The characters were predictable and boring. Not to mention that while the actual history was researched and factual, the characters acted in a way that did not reflect the society in which they lived.

Great read

If you could sum up Charleston in three words, what would they be?

historical suspense informative

What was one of the most memorable moments of Charleston?

The life of peoples both white and black during that period

Have you listened to any of George Guidall’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no, did great job

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

yes if I had that kind of time LOL

Any additional comments?

Until the book I did not put thought that a person would have lived thru all the wars that faced young America from independence to civil war

A good combination of history and dynasty...

John Jakes is a master of intertwining history and fictional families into lively and interesting novels. This one is no exception. The one problem I have with his stories is that there are so many families with multiple generations, that keeping the characters straight can be challenging.

George Guidall's performance is excellent. His accents are credible and his character interpretations are rich and distinctive.

Another outstanding read from John Jakes

Where does Charleston rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Charleston ranks among the top of the audiobooks of my listening experience. John Jakes, once again has proven his story telling skills while integrating historical events of the time. As a former social science instructor with this era being my area of concentration, I noted some events not in the chronological order of history, yet he explains it well in his afterward and gives his reasoning behind the 'slips' of time. This is a nice companion piece to his "North and South" series giving a clear perspective of the people of Charleston, their beliefs and determination. I like the mention, on occasion, of the Main family that ties them together. I think it explains much regarding the severe hostility of post Civil War among Charlestonians and the south in general toward northerners. Though much time has passed, it is clear to see the effects of this bitter time in the south and explains so much of the feelings of the people which are understandable given the atrocities of pre, during and post Civil War days.I highly recommend "Charleston" to anyone who has had experience with the "North and South" series and wants to learn more of the area and its people/

Who was your favorite character and why?

Usually I don't have one character that stands out in a piece as it takes them all to make a story. However in this book, Alex emerges as one outstanding woman who would stand by her beliefs to the point of leaving her family and braving the trip and settlement in the north and taking the risks that were involved in publically conveying her story and encouraging others in freedom for all and women's suffrage. Her return to her home state during the war, knowing the hostility that she would and did face and given the choice remained through threat to her family and her personal life speaks of a conviction and determination that served her well. She was a true caring person for others, no matter their race or gender and kept to her beliefs no matter what.

Would you listen to another book narrated by George Guidall?

I probably would if it was a well known author that I liked. However I don't care for his style of reading. He reads too fast and in a book born out of the south, not once did I hear the classic southern drawl that is so distinctive of that geographic area. I kept waiting to hear it, know that during revolutionary times it probably wasn't yet present, yet there comes a time in the history of the south the is it most definitely present. That takes away from the authenticity of the read.

If you could rename Charleston, what would you call it?

Charleston is a perfect name for this book. After all, this is what its about!

Good Story

Good historic fiction story. Interweaving Charleston history. Fascinating characters throughout. Fast paced and believable. Enjoyed the book.

Charleston by : John Jakes

John Jakes is such a good writer. He is truly a Historian/
Author. An enjoyable book as well as informative. It makes me want to go back to Charleston!

History Doomed to Repeat

For those who appreciate well written historical fiction relating to the beloved South, this book is a must. It belays, fairly, the conflicts of morality versus economics, upbringing versus observation...and tares the heart of our South with our North, showing us all as, simply, Americans.

It is a story that should be heeded today, lest we walk backwards and repeat our ancestors' mistakes of not so long ago.

--Lee Benning (Thomas' wife)

This was a travelogue through history

Picked-up this book again (in audible form) on our annual trip from Fairfield, CT to Charleston, SC.

I graduated from The Citadel in 1064 and could feel all the people, atmosphere, class distinction and prejudices as written because 1960’s were the Centennial of the “War” and the whole city was reverting to the 1800’s
Just plan terrific… also, you can use this book as a tour guide map.