Charleston

Jakes, John

ISBN 10: 0743526287 ISBN 13: 9780743526289

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio, 2002

Synopsis

The author of On Secret Service follows the experiences of an aristocratic family from the turbulent antebellum years through the Civil War, during which they harbor dark secrets and jealously guard their privilege and power.

About this title

Review:

Though at times a historically illuminating work, Charleston, bestselling author John Jakes's fictional retelling of the title city's early history through the Civil War, remains a largely uninspiring drama. Charleston offers an account of the burgeoning city from the perspective of the fictional Bell family, whose British immigrant predecessors arrive in Charleston in 1720. The story of the family's lasting, influential link to Charleston begins with Edward, whose political ideas during the Revolution put him at odds with the town's largely loyalist population, including his brother Adrian. Edward fights bravely in the Revolution, joining an effective band of hit-and-run fighters, but is later murdered by a jilted, mentally ill lover. Charleston then leaps forward, following the fortunes of Edward's granddaughter, Alex, who adopts Edward's liberal, abolitionist views, and begins a romance with lifelong black friend Henry. As slave-revolt paranoia heightens in the South, Alex watches Charleston become an isolated, violent police state, and eventually travels north, becoming a songwriter for the abolitionists and a witness to Charleston's downfall. Jakes combines fictional characters with meticulously researched historical settings and figures to give the events of Charleston context, significance, and immediacy. But rather than relying on the simple power of history, Jakes distracts from the narrative with clumsy metaphors and exaggerated characters. --Ross Doll

About the Author:

John Jakes is the author of fifteen consecutive New York Times bestselling novels, including On Secret Service, American Dreams, Homeland, California Gold, the North and South Trilogy, and the Kent Family Chronicles. Descended from a soldier of the Virginia Continental Line who fought in the American Revolution, Jakes is considered one of today's most distinguished authors of historical fiction. He divides his time between Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and Greenwich, Connecticut.

About this edition

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0743526287
• ISBN 13: 9780743526289
• Binding: Audio Cassette