Customer Reviews

Heaven and Hell

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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!!!

I have read all three books in this series and re-read it many times. It is one of the most fair of any portraits of the old south. More believable than romaticized. In fact, I have all 3 books as well as the first two installments of the mini-series. Unfortunately, Due to a really severe snow storm in 1993 I was unable to get the final third installment, "Heaven & Hell" taped. Video clubs or ABC or any other affiliates swear it never aired. So, if any of you fans have it please e-mail me & we'll get something done. I was suprised this is out of print as well. It should be required reading for all history classes.

I can't believe this series is out of print! When I was in high school, I encountered these in my mom's book collection, and thought the whole series was just great. "Heaven and Hell" is definitely the weakest of the three, but it's still pretty good. A few points stand out...

Wished that Cooper's character could have mellowed a bit, his transformation from "North and South" to this book seemed fairly unbelievable. Maybe that was the point though, that sometimes people react very differently than you might expect.

Since I always liked Billy and Brett, I wished I had known more about their life in CA.

And finally, the last time we see Ashton (wishing she was a little girl again), it is the first time we ever saw her acting like a human. After you read that line, any re-reading of the series will be tempered by the knowledge of her last scene.

A good read!

While the novel makes a point to keep up with most of the characters we've come to know, Stanley, Virgilla, George & Constance, Cooper and Judith, and Ashton, the novel focuses mainly on Charles and his new life out West.

The post-war transition of Charles's character by Jakes was done masterfully. The transition of Cooper Main was a little unbelievable given his past.

The long conclusion nicely wrapped up the entire series. Definitely not the best book of the series, but a great story of life after the Civil War.

The Hazards and Mains attempt to survive in the Reconstruction era in this the final book of the North and South Trilogy. Charles Main--the focus of the book--must deal with his status as traitor, as well as the death of his lover and raising his infant son, while he tries to find a place in the American West. Madeleine, Orry's widow, tries to fight racism and provide for the freedmen of her plantation. Meanwhile, Bent and Ashton are still looking for revenge, which is the running theme of the novel. Revenge against the North, against other races, against each other; the horrible feelings of a defeated and broken world. John Jakes concludes his fascinating historical/sociological trilogy with great changes and complications and eventual conclusion for his characters that span almost every aspect of America at the time. Grade: A-

Heaven and Hell was an interesting read at times, but it was not nearly as engaging as the first two novels. I think there was not enough balance with the time spent on certain characters. The book mainly focuses on Charles and Madeline with small interludes focusing on other characters. George is basically nonexistent through the novel. Several hundred pages separate sequences with Ashton, who I think is one of the most fun characters throughout the trilogy. Jakes definitely demonstrated more balance in North and South. A strength of the novel is how the reader is made to feel some of the frustrations of time period, disgust at gruesome battle scenes or the injustice and hatred which was so pervasive at that time in our history.

While "Heaven and Hell" is the weakest of the "North and South" trilogy, it is still a worthwhile read. The story focuses on Charles primarily. Unfortunately, Brett and Billy are almost written out and Cooper becomes a hateful, bitter man. Parts of the book are frustrating (such as Charles' obsession with exacting revenge on the Indians), but for the most part, I enjoyed this book and found it to be a satisfactory conclusion to the series.

I absolutely LOVED this sereies. North & South was the first novel I'd ever read by John Jakes and it was all it took to get me hooked. I plan on reading the Kent Family Chronicles next.
But anyways, Heaven & Hell was just as well written as the first two, and a enjoyable read. I have to be honest though, there were definately sad parts that I think the book could have done without. The fact that Jakes doesn't include enough "happy times" is one issue I have with this series. Life can't always be turmoil, but it seems to be in his books.
Besides that the only other issue I had was that some characters (Virgilia & Cooper in particular) seem to change too drastically throughout the series. I mean, in North & South, Cooper was all for preserving the Union. In Love & War he threw himself into protecting the Confederacy. Now, in Heaven & Hell he hates yankees and despises blacks. In Virgilia's case, she's always supported rights for blacks, and was also open to killing southerners. Now as the book condludes, she's being nice? People change as they grow older, but jeez.
Other than those 2 things, the book had no faults. Read the series!

after the great first 'north and south', this sequel actually spoiled the greatness of it. this sequel is absolutely uncalled for, way over the top and overdone. the first book, like most readers reviewed, was a great novel that should be in part of the american history. the trilogy was an overkill.

Oh my gosh, toward the end of this book, the third in the series, there is such a descriptive narrative of Custer's men shooting eight hundred Indian ponies that I had to stop reading! I have never in my life had such an explosive reaction to any other book I have ever read. It was simply heartbreaking and I will never forget the visual picture. I have loved these books and learned so much. I am sure I will reread them over and over again but I doubt I will read that part again.