The Kent Family Chronicles Criticism
John William Jakes, an American novelist renowned for his historical narratives, gained prominence with his novel The Bastard in 1974, which launched him into the sphere of widely-read popular novelists. This novel marked the beginning of The Kent Family Chronicles, also known as The American Bicentennial Series, a sweeping saga that spans eight volumes, each capturing different eras of American history from colonial times to the end of the nineteenth century. Jakes is celebrated for his ability to weave engaging tales that blend historical accuracy with narrative drama, making history accessible and intriguing for the reader, as noted in The American Bicentennial Series. His work is often praised for its thorough research and vivid storytelling, although it sometimes prioritizes dramatic narrative over historical detail, as discussed by critics like Bruce Cook.
In addition to his achievements with the Kent series, Jakes authored North and South in 1982, the first novel in a trilogy centered around the American Civil War, further demonstrating his adeptness at creating compelling character-driven narratives against a historical backdrop. The success of these works is attributed to Jakes's skillful integration of personal and historical narratives, a technique well-received by critics, and noted for making historical events feel contemporary and engaging, as Anne G. Adler observes. Jakes himself remarked on the educational potential of his novels, suggesting they may offer some readers their only exposure to historical events.
Contents
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The American Bicentennial Series
(summary)
In the following review, the critic praises John Jakes's "The American Bicentennial Series" for its engaging portrayal of American history through accessible prose, despite its tendency to prioritize dramatic narrative over historical detail.
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The Warriors
(summary)
In the following review, the critic praises "The Warriors," the sixth book in Jakes's Kent Family Chronicles, for its compelling depiction of post-Civil War American history, highlighting Jakes's ability to popularize historical events and drama through the narrative of the Kent family's struggles.
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They Went Thataway
(summary)
In the following essay, Bruce Cook argues that John Jakes's American Bicentennial Series, though commercially successful and deftly crafted, is largely overlooked by critics and characterized as "literary-historical kitsch" that lacks the cultural depth and literary acclaim of Alex Haley's Roots.
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The Lawless
(summary)
In the following essay, the critic examines how "The Lawless," the seventh volume of Jakes's Kent Family Chronicles, successfully maintains readers' interest by intertwining the personal development of the Kent family with significant historical events of 1869-1877, including the rise of labor unionism.
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The Lawless
(summary)
In the following essay, the critic highlights how Jakes continues his successful narrative formula in The Lawless by intertwining the generational saga of a single family with the broader historical events shaping the nation, all while employing an accessible writing style.
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The Americans
(summary)
In the following essay, the critic praises John Jakes for his exceptional storytelling and character development in "The Americans," noting the engaging historical detail in this concluding volume of the Kent Family Chronicles, and expresses hope for a continuation into the 20th century.
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The Americans
(summary)
In the following essay, Hinkemeyer praises "The Americans" for its detailed historical depiction of 1880s America through the Kent family saga, highlighting themes of romance, violence, suspense, and civic duty.
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North and South
(summary)
The critic suggests that Jakes's Kent Family Chronicles and related works like North and South are expected to achieve bestseller status due to their robust melodrama, engaging but exaggerated character portrayals, and a compelling narrative intertwining two families against the backdrop of the American Civil War.
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North and South
(summary)
In the following essay, John Brosnahan argues that while John Jakes's novel "North and South" introduces a new publishing approach by debuting as a hardcover, it maintains his traditional formula of intertwining family sagas with historical events, offering a compelling narrative despite its occasionally awkward historical integration.
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North and South
(summary)
In the following essay, Anne G. Adler praises Jakes's North and South for its meticulous research and compelling portrayal of the Civil War period, emphasizing its success in making historical events feel contemporary through rich character development.
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Mel Watkins
(summary)
In the following essay, Mel Watkins critiques John Jakes's novel "North and South," arguing that while it lacks memorable characters and originality, it effectively dramatizes the historical period before the American Civil War with a well-researched narrative style, appealing to readers seeking an engaging depiction of historical events without polemical bias.
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Popular Civil War Saga
(summary)
In the following essay, Gay Andrews Dillin argues that John Jakes successfully makes historical novels engaging for readers by balancing historical context with compelling character-driven narratives, particularly in his Civil War saga "North and South," emphasizing the diverse perspectives on slavery and sectionalism in America.