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Charleston Audiobook
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(3.36) - 22 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Charleston follows the lives, loves, and shifting fortunes of the Bells—saints and evil-doers mingled in one unforgettable family—from the American Revolution through the turbulent antebellum years to the Civil War and the savage defeat of the Confederacy. Delving into our country's history as only he can, Jakes paints a powerful portrait of the Charleston aristocracy who zealously guarded their privilege and position, harboring dark family secrets that threatened to destroy them all. Sweeping from the bitterly divided Carolina frontier of the 1770s through the tragic destruction of the city during the Civil War, Charleston represents America's premier storyteller at his very best.
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"Jakes gives a window into historic life, and I loved reading about Charleston's history, knowing where things actually happened in a city I am getting to know. His characters were like something out of a soap opera, but still likable. "
— Lorie (4 out of 5 stars)
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“A great read...a family intrigue that stretches across sweeping historical events.”
— Charleston Post and Courier -
“A memorable and realistic multigenerational epic.”
— Barnes & Noble editorial review -
“Packed with fascinating characters, accurate period detail, and absorbing accounts of historic events, his latest novel will be another commercial triumph. [A] massive, sweeping yarn...Jakes is in tip-top shape here, and fans will enjoy the large cast of compelling characters.”
— Booklist -
“The authors pleasure in this many-voiced hymn to his home state of twenty-five years comes through strongly: popular historical fiction at its most readable.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
Charleston Listener Reviews
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" A sweeping view of the times before the Revolutionary War, through the Civil War and after from the Charleston, SC point of view. A quick read eve though more than 500 pages. It's a great way to get a bit of education through family stories. "
— Jan, 4/2/2011 -
" Follows fictional families from the Revolution through the Civil War in Charleston SC. "
— Dick, 1/24/2011 -
" Too much history not enough story. :-( "
— Kathi, 1/10/2011 -
" The premise is good but I think he has run out of creative ideas. Being pushed into a river and eaten by an alligator? Seriously? "
— Ayelet, 12/28/2010 -
" A lot of history and good story. "
— Alex, 10/16/2010 -
" The story gets bogged down with all of the history present. However, if you're a history buff, you'll probably love this read. "
— June, 6/15/2010 -
" Long tale about three generations of the Bell family in Charleston from <br/>just before the Revolutionary War throught The War Between The <br/>States. Another good Jakes historical novel. <br/> "
— Chuck, 4/10/2010 -
" I am a big fan of John Jakes. This book is worth reading. He really develops his characters so you care for them. "
— Pat, 12/3/2009 -
" Book on CD from a road trip "
— Cathy, 7/18/2009 -
" I just couldn't get into it. "
— Shelly, 5/22/2009
About John Jakes
John Jakes is the bestselling author of Charleston, the eight-volume Kent Family Chronicles, the North and South trilogy, California Gold, and others. He has received a number of awards and accolades for his achievements as a writer, most notably a Cooper Medal from the Thomas Cooper Library and a Career Achievement Award from the South Carolina Humanities Association. He is a member of the Authors Guild, the Dramatists Guild, and serves on the board of the Authors Guild Foundation. A graduate of DePauw and Ohio State universities, Jakes currently lives in South Carolina and Florida.
About George Guidall
George Guidall, winner of more than eighty AudioFile Earphones Awards, has won three of the prestigious Audie Award for Excellence in Audiobook Narration. In 2014 the Audio Publishers Association presented him with the Special Achievement Award for lifetime achievement/ During his thirty-year recording career he has recorded over 1,700 audiobooks, won multiple awards, been a mentor to many narrators, and shown by example the potential of fine storytelling. His forty-year acting career includes starring roles on Broadway, an Obie Award for best performance off Broadway, and frequent television appearances.