Rating:  Summary: Not as good as the first two Review: 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.
Rating:  Summary: The End of a Story Review: 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!!!
Rating:  Summary: The End of a Story Review: 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!!!
Rating:  Summary: Pretty good Review: 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!
Rating:  Summary: I am constantly re-delighted with this series. Review: 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.
Rating:  Summary: North and South The Triology Review: If you enjoy books that cover the Civil War era, don't miss this exciting Triology. It follows the lives of two families from two different parts of the country. Follow the hardships, heartbreaks, love, and joy of the Mains from South Carolina and the Hazzards from Pennsylvania. It is a tail of true friends and what tries to tear them apart. It will make you laugh and cry. It gives a clear view of what some of our ancestors probably faced during the war that devided our great nation.
Rating:  Summary: Mass Media Editors need Education. Review: So, this book is about the American Civil War??? Then why is there an English Enfield with bayonet on the cover?!?!? The particular model on the cover was adopted in December of 1888, and later improved in 1901. This is a sad error indeed!!! :^P
Rating:  Summary: Heaven and Hell Review: This book is a very exciting novel of all times... This book allows young adults and adults to learn about the history of their country, while enjoying a great story plot! After watching a section of North vs. South, I was determined to get the entire series (trilogy) and be able to enjoy the series as a whole. The basis of the story is a very sensitive subject....slavery. The main concern are two young men who meet while attending Westpoint, little did they know, they would go through many trials and tribulations throughout the war as well as the rest of their life. After they marry, have kids, start families of their own, and fight for thir strong beleifs, they think that they will live happily ever after, but once again they are wrong. The strong bond between these two men drifts slowly apart, as slavery is a major topic in this young country's future. Despite their differences they remain friends, but many friends and family members interfere with their friendship.... they find their fr5eindship is not worth wasting and should be preserved. The only logical solution to their problem was not to discuss certain things with each other- including slavery. This book is very educational,and even allows a not interested person actually want to know more about the history of their country. This book has a great plot yet still allows you tho see the true facts and history at the same time. This is a great book for anyone that is willing to take the time and just get into the main story plot and the same time learn more abvout American History.
Rating:  Summary: Why is this book out of print?? Review: 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.
Rating:  Summary: Good ending Review: 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.
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