Charleston

By: John Jakes

Narrated by: George Guidall

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

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.

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 Familiar Friend

This book is a first cousin to North and South. It is so rich with history and complex characters who struggle to find thrmselves in periods of national uncertainty. I do wish some of the characters had been better formed before their exits, but it was still a great book.

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.

Best Reader Ever!

The storyline was good and the characters were well developed. What made this audiobook great, in my opinion, was the reader. He was spot on with the accents, and was even convincing with the female characters.

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.

interesting character development

I like the development of the characters, I also thought that the reader did a great job. little too much romance novel and many instances, didn't finish the book

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.

slow and redundant

Did not finish. Boring and slow. I would return but purchased too long ago. North and South and The Kent Family series are much better.