"North and South" is a novel written by John Jakes, published in 1982. It tells the story of two families, the Hazards and the Mains, and their experiences during the years leading up to the American Civil War. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing America, the novel explores themes of class, race, and politics.One of the central conflicts in the novel is the tension between the North and the South. The Hazards are from Pennsylvania, while the Mains are from South Carolina. The two families have very different perspectives on the issue of slavery, with the Hazards being abolitionists and the Mains being slave owners. This fundamental difference in belief sets the stage for much of the conflict in the novel.The main character of the novel is Orry Main, the youngest son of a wealthy plantation owner. Orry is portrayed as a conflicted character, torn between his loyalty to his family and his growing awareness of the injustice of slavery. His relationship with his best friend, George Hazard, is strained by their differing views on slavery, but they remain close despite their disagreements. George, on the other hand, comes from a working-class background and is more pragmatic in his beliefs. He recognizes the importance of the abolitionist cause, but also understands the economic impact it would have on the South.The novel also features several other important characters, including Madeline Fabray, a beautiful French woman who marries Orry and becomes embroiled in the tensions between the two families. Elkanah Bent, a sinister and manipulative character, serves as the main antagonist of the novel, constantly stirring up trouble between the Hazards and the Mains.One of the most compelling aspects of "North and South" is its portrayal of the changing social and economic landscape of America in the mid-19th century. The novel captures the tensions between the industrial North and the agrarian South, as well as the growing divide between the wealthy elite and the working class. The characters in the novel are deeply affected by these changes, as their fortunes rise and fall with the shifting economic and political landscape.Jakes also explores the theme of class in the novel, as the characters struggle to navigate the rigid social hierarchy of the time. The Hazards, though not as wealthy as the Mains, are part of the established upper class in Pennsylvania, while the Mains are part of the Southern aristocracy. Orry's sister Ashton, in particular, is obsessed with maintaining her social status and is willing to go to great lengths to marry into a wealthy family.In addition to its exploration of social and political themes, "North and South" is also a gripping family saga, filled with drama, romance, and tragedy. Jakes has a talent for creating complex, multi-dimensional characters, and the reader becomes deeply invested in the fates of the various members of the Hazard and Main families. The novel is also notable for its detailed descriptions of life in the South, from the opulent plantation homes to the harsh realities of life for enslaved people.In conclusion, "North and South" is a powerful and compelling novel that explores important themes of class, race, and politics in pre-Civil War America. Jakes weaves together a rich tapestry of characters and settings, creating a vivid and unforgettable portrait of a time and place that continues to fascinate readers today.
