Helpful Score: 1
Book Three of the North and South Trilogy: Follows the saga of George Hazzard, Madeline Main and Charles Main.
Very rich in historical detail of After Civil War era.
Very rich in historical detail of After Civil War era.
Helpful Score: 1
If you read the entire series, this is a fitting ending as the Civil War has ended. Almost like saying goodbye to a good friend (as with most long series). I really enjoy reading Jakes - he's an excellent writer.
THE MIGHTY CONCLUSION TO AMERICA'S BEST-LOVED SAGA...
GEORGE HAZARD ---He will discover that not even the terrors of the Civil War could exact the terrible price he'd pay in a country at peace but still ablaze with hatred.
MADELINE MAIN -- She faces the struggle to rebuild her life and her burned-out plantation--without the man she loved.
CHARLES MAIN -- Escaping his past, he will seek a new beginning in the untamed West--a land desolate, magnificent, and filled with danger.
THE CIVIL WAR IS OVER, BUT THE BATTLES OF THE HEART HAVE JUST BEGUN.
GEORGE HAZARD ---He will discover that not even the terrors of the Civil War could exact the terrible price he'd pay in a country at peace but still ablaze with hatred.
MADELINE MAIN -- She faces the struggle to rebuild her life and her burned-out plantation--without the man she loved.
CHARLES MAIN -- Escaping his past, he will seek a new beginning in the untamed West--a land desolate, magnificent, and filled with danger.
THE CIVIL WAR IS OVER, BUT THE BATTLES OF THE HEART HAVE JUST BEGUN.
the continuing southern saga... i am fortunate enough to live only a few miles from the plantation that the movie based on this book was filmed!! :)
From Amazon.com
From Publishers Weekly
As one might expect, this final volume in Jake's North and South trilogy makes splendid reading. Dealing with Reconstruction as the earlier volumes dealt, respectively, with pre-Civil War rumblings and the war itself, this novel resumes the saga of the Hazards of Pennsylvania and the Mains of South Carolina, both families now sadly depleted and bound together as much by hate as love. The Union has triumphed but there's no peace, as radical northern Republicans seek to impose punitive rule on the South and succeed in bringing impeachment proceedings against President Johnson; the Ku Klux Klan goes its ludicrous and hideous way; and in the West, army generals, most notably Custer, savagely subdue the Indians. The principal fictional characters threading the accurate groundwork of major national events are, on the Hazard side, steelmaker George, his abolitionist sister Virgiliastet and his corrupt, incompetent brother Stanley who (significantly) goes into politics. In the Main family, there are Orry's octoroon widow Madeline, a prime target of the Klan, his unscrupulous sister Ashton and, most insistently and compellingly, Charles, whose adventures include scouting for Custer, until he becomes disgusted by the Washita Massacre, and, with Indian help, tracking the crazed abductor of his small son. Idealism and corruption, tenderness and brutality, innocence and insanity, all figure in the narrative, a highly colored amalgam of heaven and hell, with the latter predominating.
From Publishers Weekly
As one might expect, this final volume in Jake's North and South trilogy makes splendid reading. Dealing with Reconstruction as the earlier volumes dealt, respectively, with pre-Civil War rumblings and the war itself, this novel resumes the saga of the Hazards of Pennsylvania and the Mains of South Carolina, both families now sadly depleted and bound together as much by hate as love. The Union has triumphed but there's no peace, as radical northern Republicans seek to impose punitive rule on the South and succeed in bringing impeachment proceedings against President Johnson; the Ku Klux Klan goes its ludicrous and hideous way; and in the West, army generals, most notably Custer, savagely subdue the Indians. The principal fictional characters threading the accurate groundwork of major national events are, on the Hazard side, steelmaker George, his abolitionist sister Virgiliastet and his corrupt, incompetent brother Stanley who (significantly) goes into politics. In the Main family, there are Orry's octoroon widow Madeline, a prime target of the Klan, his unscrupulous sister Ashton and, most insistently and compellingly, Charles, whose adventures include scouting for Custer, until he becomes disgusted by the Washita Massacre, and, with Indian help, tracking the crazed abductor of his small son. Idealism and corruption, tenderness and brutality, innocence and insanity, all figure in the narrative, a highly colored amalgam of heaven and hell, with the latter predominating.
I really like Jakes. Some historical goodies.
This is the last book in the North and South Trilogy. All three books are a must read. If you have seen the TV movies, North and South, this is even better.
Typical John Jakes - wonderful stories, common threads thoughout the series, etc.
Josephine B. (loveangel) reviewed Heaven and Hell (North and South, Bk 3) on + 148 more book reviews
the epic conclusion of the north and south trilogy
Heaven and Hell, the last book in the North and South trilogy was absolutely wonderful. This book is mainly about Charles and his life in the West. And also his trying to find a place in the world after the war. Madeline is also a major character in this book with her journal entries to Orry. And the evil Bent has to make his appearance throughout. (I could have done without Bent!!) The lives of Stanley, Virgilia, Billie, Brett, and the love-to-hate-her Aston aren't covered as much in this book. I would have loved to learn more about Billie and Brett. Also would have liked to read more about Marie-Louise and her Yankee husband Theo. I found the parts of the book about them to be very touching.
If you've already read the other two books you must read this one to find out what happens. You will be in for quite a few surprises. This book is definitely worth reading. A classic!!!
If you've already read the other two books you must read this one to find out what happens. You will be in for quite a few surprises. This book is definitely worth reading. A classic!!!
Lynn P. (Bama-Booklover) -
The third book in the North and the South triology by John Jakes.
John Jakes is one of the best writers ever! After you've read a couple of pages, you are in the story with the people. Excellent!
Jessica (Sweetpea172006) - , reviewed Heaven and Hell (North and South, Bk 3) on + 178 more book reviews
From the back cover:
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 home. Filled with all of the vivid drama, passion, and action that has 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.
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 home. Filled with all of the vivid drama, passion, and action that has 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.
Master writer; great historical fiction
