About the author John Jakes (b. 1932), the author of more than a dozen novels, is regarded as one of today’s most distinguished writers of historical fiction. His work includes the highly acclaimed Kent Family Chronicles series and the North and South Trilogy. Jakes’s commitment to historical accuracy and evocative storytelling earned him the title of “the godfather of historical novelists” from the Los Angeles Times and led to a streak of sixteen consecutive New York Times bestsellers. Jakes has received several awards for his work and is a member of the Authors Guild and the PEN American Center. He and his wife, Rachel, live on the west coast of Florida.
This 682 page (in paperback) novel focuses on the impact of the railroads on this country. The main characters are Louis Kent, Michael Boyle, and Gideon Kent. Louis is the son of Amanda, who comes down the line of the Kent family not tainted by "Fletcher blood." Michael was Amanda's personal assistant and helped raise Louis after Amanda was killed. Gideon is the son of Jephtha Kent, who is a Methodist minister in New York City.
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