North and South is the first in a series of three books by the same author who brought us the 8-book series beginning with 'The Bastard.' This series is equally well written, and gives a less slanted view than even many documentaries do of life during the period leading up to the Civil War. As the story continues, the author continues to provide a more accurate (by way of less biased) view of the atrocities committed by both sides, each against the other, as well as the heroics and better nature of many people on both sides. It is a poignant portrayal of how lives change for better and for worse when good friends and those bound by blood or love find themselves on opposite sides of an issue that will affect both families for generations to come; possibly forever. This particular series is one of few accounts of the Civil War that does NOT portray the North side covered to an individual under one blanket of butchery, sadism, avarice and evil intent or portraying the South as wholly innocent victims taken unfair advantage of by a ravaging wave of oppressors. The series focuses on two families who find themselves embroiled in a war that neither of them wants, but whose honor demands that they take up the particular banner that speaks to their personal beliefs. It puts them in the position of being political enemies, one on each side of the war, and then follows the ensuing battle to keep the familial relationship unsullied and unaffected by the outcome of the war. The series shows lifelong beliefs and predjudices questioned when situations force them to examine those beliefs in a realistic light for the first time. They find they must rethink, reconsider, and in some cases completely reject those beliefs and predjudices. This forced baring of reality widens the scope of understanding for some. For others in the tale, as their personal beliefs of superiority, birthright, and self-proclaimed aristocracy are shown to be false, they hold on to the misconceptions ever more tightly in an attempt to make them real. For them, it becomes an ugly obsession that inevitably leads to a downward spiral of personal character that they never recover from. When a series is offered by an author, I never read the first one until all are available, so that I can read the complete series from start to finish, which allows me to stay in the atmosphere created by the author for the particular series. The three books interlock seamlessly, although each one could stand alone as a story complete in itself.Read full review
Anything by John Jake’s is a portrayal of the United States history. He wrote before he could be canceled like nowadays. Get his books and keep them safe. Or pass along before they are not around.. North and South was once required history and English reading. A gal from the 1960’s, CC
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Great read, price, and delivery
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I like the book but havent read it yet. Im sure I will like it.I loved the movie. Thank You. Betsy McNaughton.
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My wife and I enjoyed the TV Movie version. For Christmas I bought her this book.
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It was for a birthday present.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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