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The Gods of Newport
From the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of North and South, “the best historical novelist of our time” (Patricia Cornwell).In the late nineteenth century, Newport, Rhode Island-with its giant marble mansions, lavish dinner parties, and vicious social climbing- is a summer playground of the very rich. Into this rarefied world comes infamous railroad mogul and robber baron Sam Driver. He wants his beautiful daughter to have the best Newport has to offer-even if that means breaking all the rules...
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2006
368 people are currently reading
996 people want to read
About the author
John Jakes
412 books965 followersJohn William Jakes, 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.
Also writes under pseudonyms Jay Scotland, Alan Payne, Rachel Ann Payne, Robert Hart Davis, Darius John Granger, John Lee Gray. Has ghost written as William Ard.
Also writes under pseudonyms Jay Scotland, Alan Payne, Rachel Ann Payne, Robert Hart Davis, Darius John Granger, John Lee Gray. Has ghost written as William Ard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
October 2, 2025
Schlecht ausbalanciertes Buch voller Selbstbeklauungen
Persönliche Befangenheitserklärung:
John Jakes war oder ist bei mir ein schlechter Schriftsteller, den man trotzdem gerne liest. Dieses Lob verdankt er in erster Linie seiner Erzähltechnik. Denn seine Riesenwälzer bestehen aus kurzen Sequenzen, viele davon nehmen gerade mal eine Seite ein. Deshalb ist man schnell in seinen Romanen drin, ehe man feststellt, dass man mal wieder im selben Einheitsbrei drin steckt. Nur die Kostüme haben gewechselt.
Meine Leidensgeschichte mit diesem Autor beginnt lange vor dem Durchbruch mit der Verfilmung Fackeln im Sturm. Als auf Sword and Sorcery erpichter Jüngling fielen mir schon zwei Bände der Pentalogie Brak der Barbar in die Hände https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..., auch die Trilogie um den kleinwüchsigen Detektiv Johnny Havoc https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..., sowie den Wälzer California Gold hatte ich schon intus ehe ich mir die legendäre Bürgerkriegs-Trilogie antat. Ob muskulöser Fantasy-Held, großmäuliger Zwerg oder knallharter Ölsucher und späterer Geschäftsmann, diese denkbar unterschiedlichen Angehörigen aus drei Welten hatten eines gemeinsam: Sie mussten unheimlich viel Prügel einstecken und Schmerzen ertragen, ob im Kampf gegen mächtige Hexen und andere mystische Wesen, die Fäuste mächtiger Unterweltbosse oder im Polo-Wettstreit mit alteingesessenen Protzen, die über bessere Verbindungen, aber weniger Lebensenergie verfügten. Dieses mal heißt der Schmerzensmann, der am Ende doch das Mädchen gewinnt und allerlei sportliche Wettbewerbe, in vorher nie ausgeübten Disziplinen, Prince Molloy. Natürlich kommt dem David aus der Unterschicht mit den Oberschicht-Genen die Hybris seiner hoch angesehen Gegner dabei zu Hilfe.
Eher letzter Rülpser als abschließendes Spätwerk
Es gibt ja immer mal wieder ein letztes Werk, das eher alle Tendenzen zusammen fasst oder auf einer höheren Ebene eine Synthese erreicht, deren spezifische Qualitäten oder Fortschritte sich erst beim späteren Auskosten erschließen.
John Jakes letzter Anlauf zu einem Roman, der eher wie eine hastig irgendwie verkaufsfertig gemachte Baustelle wirkt, verfügt über keinerlei Schluss-Stein-Qualitäten. Eher schon erscheint mir Gods of Newport, an das sich kein deutscher Verleger wagen wollte, wie die Verwertung von übrig gebliebenem Recherchematertial für einen nie zustande gekommenen Teil der Crown-Saga, zumal zahlreichen Referenzen auf die Ereignisse in Homeland/Flammen der Freiheit vorkommen. In Sachen Vorgeschichte von Sam Driver, der auf Seiten der Südstaaten in den Krieg einzieht, aber als Rädchen in der Kriegindustrie des Nordens überlebt, gibt es auch ein paar Anknüpfungspunkte an die Trilogie, der Versuch des Emporkömmlings in der feinen Gesellschaft von Newport zu landen, weckt Assoziationen an California Gold, im jungen Widersacher Prince Molloy wird das Bastard-Motiv aus dem Start der achtteiligen Kent-Saga noch mal reaktiviert.
Alles Elemente die Jakes früher schon mal besser frischer und mitreißender gestaltet hat.
Auf dem Umschlag meiner Ausgabe wird mit den zuvor erschienen Romanen Charleston und Savannah geworben. Charleston https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... war schon ein ziemlich kläglicher Nachklapp, bei dem man die nachlassenden Kräfte eines alternden Schreiberlings oder sich selbst als Leser bemitleiden konnte.
Derart lachhafte Partien wie beim Remix von Konstellationen aus North and South wie in Charleston erspart JJ seinem treuen Publikum, sonst bleibt er sich leider nur allzu sehr treu, denn allenfalls Sam Driver ist ein gemischter Charakter, der sich eher zum negativen entwickelt. Seine Widersacher haben keinerlei Besserungperspektive, kein Trick gelingt ihnen, jede Rache am ehemaligen Räuberbaron und Börsengängster scheitert. Der wiederum kann seine Tochter Jenny, über deren Einführung in allerhöchste Kreise, er den Traum seiner verstorbenen Frau verwirklichen will, nicht von ihrer Liebe zum gut aussehenden irischen Bastard abbringen. Nicht mal durch Zerstörung von dessen blendender Physis.
Als ganz großes Schwarzes Loch erweist sich allerdings Jenny Motivation, gegen alle Widerstände an dem Sommerfick festzuhalten, der zuerst nur am nächsten reichen Mädchen seine sitzen gelassene Mutter rächen wollte. Und dabei sämtliche gesellschaftlichen Realitäten auszublenden.
Gut, am Ende kommt es so knüppeldick, dass die Trotzreaktion gegenüber Vati nachvollziehbar wird, nachdem der ungeliebte Gatte mit Neigung zu schmerzhaftem Vollzug der Ehe, hops gegangen ist. Für ihre erste Liebe verzichtet sie sogar aufs Erbe, als die Räuberbaron-Methoden ans Tageslicht kommen, mit denen ihr Vater das Aufstiegshindernis Prince Molloy auslöschen wollte, während er sie, trotz Wissen um dessen Hintergründe, einem kriminellen Hochstapler in die Hände spielte.
Finale Befangenheitserklärung: Bereute Lesezeitverschwendung
Wie eingangs erwähnt, kurze Abschnitte lassen einen auch so einen Schmöker ertragen, allerdings zieht sich die Exposition für das Newport-Drama so endlos hin, dass ich den Roman von hinten lesen musste, um damit fertig zu werden oder allerlei Brosamen mit Bedeutung fürs Finale erkennen konnte. Wenn ich keinen anderen Roman von JJ kennen würde, wäre ich vielleicht gnädiger, aber dieser Autor hat mir schon zu viele seiner Heldengestalten bis an die Invaliditätsgrenze gefoltert. Sympathischere Leute als Prince Molloy. California Gold ist zwar ein drei mal so dicker Wälzer, dessen Bewältigung mir eher zwanzig als zehn Tage abverlangen würde, wenn kein Langstreckenflug mit anschließender Bahn/Busfahrt zu HIlfe kommt. Aber Gods of Newport war, abgesehen vom Lokalkolorit, ein ziemlich schwacher Abklatsch.
Das Diptychon, aus dem die Gods ein Triptychon hätte machen können, werde ich mir vielleicht doch noch mal antun, zumal Flammen der Freiheit mit der ausführlichen Schilderung des Pullmann-Streiks wie eine Reaktion auf Howard Zinns A Peoples History wirken.
Der nächste Langstreckenflug steht ja am Ende des Monats an. Insofern nicht wundern, wenn bald wieder ein Jakes auf meinem Profil erscheint.
Persönliche Befangenheitserklärung:
John Jakes war oder ist bei mir ein schlechter Schriftsteller, den man trotzdem gerne liest. Dieses Lob verdankt er in erster Linie seiner Erzähltechnik. Denn seine Riesenwälzer bestehen aus kurzen Sequenzen, viele davon nehmen gerade mal eine Seite ein. Deshalb ist man schnell in seinen Romanen drin, ehe man feststellt, dass man mal wieder im selben Einheitsbrei drin steckt. Nur die Kostüme haben gewechselt.
Meine Leidensgeschichte mit diesem Autor beginnt lange vor dem Durchbruch mit der Verfilmung Fackeln im Sturm. Als auf Sword and Sorcery erpichter Jüngling fielen mir schon zwei Bände der Pentalogie Brak der Barbar in die Hände https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..., auch die Trilogie um den kleinwüchsigen Detektiv Johnny Havoc https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..., sowie den Wälzer California Gold hatte ich schon intus ehe ich mir die legendäre Bürgerkriegs-Trilogie antat. Ob muskulöser Fantasy-Held, großmäuliger Zwerg oder knallharter Ölsucher und späterer Geschäftsmann, diese denkbar unterschiedlichen Angehörigen aus drei Welten hatten eines gemeinsam: Sie mussten unheimlich viel Prügel einstecken und Schmerzen ertragen, ob im Kampf gegen mächtige Hexen und andere mystische Wesen, die Fäuste mächtiger Unterweltbosse oder im Polo-Wettstreit mit alteingesessenen Protzen, die über bessere Verbindungen, aber weniger Lebensenergie verfügten. Dieses mal heißt der Schmerzensmann, der am Ende doch das Mädchen gewinnt und allerlei sportliche Wettbewerbe, in vorher nie ausgeübten Disziplinen, Prince Molloy. Natürlich kommt dem David aus der Unterschicht mit den Oberschicht-Genen die Hybris seiner hoch angesehen Gegner dabei zu Hilfe.
Eher letzter Rülpser als abschließendes Spätwerk
Es gibt ja immer mal wieder ein letztes Werk, das eher alle Tendenzen zusammen fasst oder auf einer höheren Ebene eine Synthese erreicht, deren spezifische Qualitäten oder Fortschritte sich erst beim späteren Auskosten erschließen.
John Jakes letzter Anlauf zu einem Roman, der eher wie eine hastig irgendwie verkaufsfertig gemachte Baustelle wirkt, verfügt über keinerlei Schluss-Stein-Qualitäten. Eher schon erscheint mir Gods of Newport, an das sich kein deutscher Verleger wagen wollte, wie die Verwertung von übrig gebliebenem Recherchematertial für einen nie zustande gekommenen Teil der Crown-Saga, zumal zahlreichen Referenzen auf die Ereignisse in Homeland/Flammen der Freiheit vorkommen. In Sachen Vorgeschichte von Sam Driver, der auf Seiten der Südstaaten in den Krieg einzieht, aber als Rädchen in der Kriegindustrie des Nordens überlebt, gibt es auch ein paar Anknüpfungspunkte an die Trilogie, der Versuch des Emporkömmlings in der feinen Gesellschaft von Newport zu landen, weckt Assoziationen an California Gold, im jungen Widersacher Prince Molloy wird das Bastard-Motiv aus dem Start der achtteiligen Kent-Saga noch mal reaktiviert.
Alles Elemente die Jakes früher schon mal besser frischer und mitreißender gestaltet hat.
Auf dem Umschlag meiner Ausgabe wird mit den zuvor erschienen Romanen Charleston und Savannah geworben. Charleston https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... war schon ein ziemlich kläglicher Nachklapp, bei dem man die nachlassenden Kräfte eines alternden Schreiberlings oder sich selbst als Leser bemitleiden konnte.
Derart lachhafte Partien wie beim Remix von Konstellationen aus North and South wie in Charleston erspart JJ seinem treuen Publikum, sonst bleibt er sich leider nur allzu sehr treu, denn allenfalls Sam Driver ist ein gemischter Charakter, der sich eher zum negativen entwickelt. Seine Widersacher haben keinerlei Besserungperspektive, kein Trick gelingt ihnen, jede Rache am ehemaligen Räuberbaron und Börsengängster scheitert. Der wiederum kann seine Tochter Jenny, über deren Einführung in allerhöchste Kreise, er den Traum seiner verstorbenen Frau verwirklichen will, nicht von ihrer Liebe zum gut aussehenden irischen Bastard abbringen. Nicht mal durch Zerstörung von dessen blendender Physis.
Als ganz großes Schwarzes Loch erweist sich allerdings Jenny Motivation, gegen alle Widerstände an dem Sommerfick festzuhalten, der zuerst nur am nächsten reichen Mädchen seine sitzen gelassene Mutter rächen wollte. Und dabei sämtliche gesellschaftlichen Realitäten auszublenden.
Gut, am Ende kommt es so knüppeldick, dass die Trotzreaktion gegenüber Vati nachvollziehbar wird, nachdem der ungeliebte Gatte mit Neigung zu schmerzhaftem Vollzug der Ehe, hops gegangen ist. Für ihre erste Liebe verzichtet sie sogar aufs Erbe, als die Räuberbaron-Methoden ans Tageslicht kommen, mit denen ihr Vater das Aufstiegshindernis Prince Molloy auslöschen wollte, während er sie, trotz Wissen um dessen Hintergründe, einem kriminellen Hochstapler in die Hände spielte.
Finale Befangenheitserklärung: Bereute Lesezeitverschwendung
Wie eingangs erwähnt, kurze Abschnitte lassen einen auch so einen Schmöker ertragen, allerdings zieht sich die Exposition für das Newport-Drama so endlos hin, dass ich den Roman von hinten lesen musste, um damit fertig zu werden oder allerlei Brosamen mit Bedeutung fürs Finale erkennen konnte. Wenn ich keinen anderen Roman von JJ kennen würde, wäre ich vielleicht gnädiger, aber dieser Autor hat mir schon zu viele seiner Heldengestalten bis an die Invaliditätsgrenze gefoltert. Sympathischere Leute als Prince Molloy. California Gold ist zwar ein drei mal so dicker Wälzer, dessen Bewältigung mir eher zwanzig als zehn Tage abverlangen würde, wenn kein Langstreckenflug mit anschließender Bahn/Busfahrt zu HIlfe kommt. Aber Gods of Newport war, abgesehen vom Lokalkolorit, ein ziemlich schwacher Abklatsch.
Das Diptychon, aus dem die Gods ein Triptychon hätte machen können, werde ich mir vielleicht doch noch mal antun, zumal Flammen der Freiheit mit der ausführlichen Schilderung des Pullmann-Streiks wie eine Reaktion auf Howard Zinns A Peoples History wirken.
Der nächste Langstreckenflug steht ja am Ende des Monats an. Insofern nicht wundern, wenn bald wieder ein Jakes auf meinem Profil erscheint.
June 28, 2023
New York City to Newport, RI. 1894. John Jakes’ The Gods of Newport is a book that I have had a long time, but as I passed one of my bookcases, I saw it and decided to read it. My brother lived just outside of Newport for quite awhile, and my family had reunions in Newport as some relatives lived there. I wished to see how this author wrote about the Gilded Area. I enjoyed the book. It fits what I know about Newport and that time period. The cottages in Newport are amazing! I am sure everyone knows that they are not cottages but huge mansions that were used about 6 weeks in the summer. What a time to have lived, but I most probably would have ‘fought the system’. 😉 The main character, Sam Driver, wants to present his daughter to Society. He heads to Newport to build a ‘cottage’ and provide his daughter with the ‘best’, but is it? John Jakes, a prolific writer and a good one, wrote books on many topics. One of my favorites is The North and the South Trilogy. His story about Newport told it as it really was. I am glad to have read it. 4.5 stars.
January 13, 2024
This is shockingly bad. The only impressive thing is how much research the author clearly did, but he crammed so much of it into the book— down to real quotes from historical figures, period newspapers, etc— that it seemed like one giant summary. Reading this book feels like reading a Wikipedia article. Meaningful character development? Don’t know her. Wondering about someone’s ulterior motives? They’ll be explained to you in detail one scene later with zero emotions involved. The characters are horrible people but in the most underdeveloped, boring way. LOTS of fistfighting in public and troubling ways of describing women, including at least one use of the word “bovine.” Some of the things in this book straight up made my skin crawl.
March 29, 2011
The Gods of Newport is a light, easy, fast-moving read on the occupants of Newport during the Gilded Age. It was fun to read a novel based on the people whose "cottages" I had toured when I lived in Newport, but it really made me homesick for my former town. I kept trying my best to reconcile the Newport in the novel with the Newport I knew; I would have loved to see a map of the city at that time.
That said, I didn't really enjoy Jakes's writing style. It felt rather choppy, and the plot was fairly tired. Social climber heiress falls in love with penniless working-class man? How else is this going to end? The novel is quite a commentary on the excesses enjoyed by the obnoxiously rich of the Gilded Age, what with banquets for dogs and all the ridiculous rules one needed to follow to move up on the social ladder.
I would categorize this as a good beach read.
That said, I didn't really enjoy Jakes's writing style. It felt rather choppy, and the plot was fairly tired. Social climber heiress falls in love with penniless working-class man? How else is this going to end? The novel is quite a commentary on the excesses enjoyed by the obnoxiously rich of the Gilded Age, what with banquets for dogs and all the ridiculous rules one needed to follow to move up on the social ladder.
I would categorize this as a good beach read.
August 16, 2017
It is with regret that I give this book by this fine author three stars. All the elements for a deep and moving story are there but he remains on the surface, drawing crude one-dimensional stick figure characters instead. Jakes does this sometimes, which is weird because his Civil War trilogy is a masterpiece. I imagine his publisher must have rushed him. Why else does a talented author rush so much? Anyway, I'm afraid I can't recommend this one. But do read his Civil War trilogy. It's unforgettable.
Read
July 7, 2017In my effort to empty my shelves, I picked this one. I loved North and South and am intrigued by Newport's high society. The opulence of the lifestyles of the rich in per-1900 America is jaw dropping. Many interesting details about social climbing, throw in an unsuitable suitor and some actual historical names and you have a quick summer read.
October 16, 2018
My husband and I were just in Newport this past summer, and it is always fun to hear stories about places you've been. I've walked that Cliff Walk and have been to that beach! It was an ok story, certainly not my favorite from Jakes.
December 2, 2020
Having been to the Rhode Island area that is the central theme of the story , I found this novel very interesting and entertaining.
August 15, 2020
A fun read about the 19th century 1%ers.
April 17, 2015
This is an historical novel taking place at the end of the gilded age in Newport, Rhode Island, home to the massively rich, both inherited wealth and newly acquired by robber barons and the like. It generally takes place from 1893 through 1897 with one flash back sequence used to show how one of the main characters worked his way to riches and thus justify his place in Newport society.
This period in US history is rife with change. Rapid changes in technology, political points of view, and world events led to an upheaval in social mores as well and so the setting of Newport at that time is a great place in which to set a novel. Just as in most of Jakes’ historical fiction, he constructs his stories on two primary levels. The up-front story here concerns a father and daughter of “new money” who aspire to build a mansion in Newport and become accepted by society there. It’s an uphill battle and a romantic subplot leads to trouble. Father and daughter don’t always see eye to eye on what the “best” future is for her. That’s certainly not a new concept but it’s done pretty well here. Jakes’ novels almost always have main characters that you want to root for but who often make stupid choices. But they do change and grow during his novels and that happens this time as well. The concept of “lies within lies” gives the novel a bit of a soap opera feel but also adds intrigue. The deeper story is about Newport itself. It’s like a character in its own right with the titular “Gods of Newport” being wealth and power and influence at whose alter the prominent residents worship.
As for the novel itself, I found it a little hard to get into. Lots of characters were introduced, many of them seemingly just name dropped for the historical realism effect. Prominent names like Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, Astor, Fisk, Gould, etc. are sprinkled throughout whereas less famous but equally real characters like Harry Lehr, Mamie Fish, and O.H.P. Belmont (Oliver Hazzard Perry Belmont) play actual roles in the book. As the novel unfolded I began to get more invested in the fictional protagonists and their story and by the end it was a pretty good read.
I suspect this is John Jakes’ final novel. His website hasn’t been updated in several years and he’s no spring chicken anymore. His early historical fiction (Kent Family Chronicles The Bastard and the North and South Trilogy) were instrumental in launching my interest in historical fiction in general and so I will always have a fondness for him even though I have moved on to more in-depth choices for much of my historical fiction reading. His last several stand-alone novels have not been so enjoyable though so I am happy to note that this one is a return to form in most respects.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 for sentimental reasons.
This period in US history is rife with change. Rapid changes in technology, political points of view, and world events led to an upheaval in social mores as well and so the setting of Newport at that time is a great place in which to set a novel. Just as in most of Jakes’ historical fiction, he constructs his stories on two primary levels. The up-front story here concerns a father and daughter of “new money” who aspire to build a mansion in Newport and become accepted by society there. It’s an uphill battle and a romantic subplot leads to trouble. Father and daughter don’t always see eye to eye on what the “best” future is for her. That’s certainly not a new concept but it’s done pretty well here. Jakes’ novels almost always have main characters that you want to root for but who often make stupid choices. But they do change and grow during his novels and that happens this time as well. The concept of “lies within lies” gives the novel a bit of a soap opera feel but also adds intrigue. The deeper story is about Newport itself. It’s like a character in its own right with the titular “Gods of Newport” being wealth and power and influence at whose alter the prominent residents worship.
As for the novel itself, I found it a little hard to get into. Lots of characters were introduced, many of them seemingly just name dropped for the historical realism effect. Prominent names like Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, Astor, Fisk, Gould, etc. are sprinkled throughout whereas less famous but equally real characters like Harry Lehr, Mamie Fish, and O.H.P. Belmont (Oliver Hazzard Perry Belmont) play actual roles in the book. As the novel unfolded I began to get more invested in the fictional protagonists and their story and by the end it was a pretty good read.
I suspect this is John Jakes’ final novel. His website hasn’t been updated in several years and he’s no spring chicken anymore. His early historical fiction (Kent Family Chronicles The Bastard and the North and South Trilogy) were instrumental in launching my interest in historical fiction in general and so I will always have a fondness for him even though I have moved on to more in-depth choices for much of my historical fiction reading. His last several stand-alone novels have not been so enjoyable though so I am happy to note that this one is a return to form in most respects.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 for sentimental reasons.
April 18, 2012
[EDIT 2ND READ]
After a recent trip to Newport, I decided to revisit this book. I had no prior knowledge of the period or place for my first read-through. However, this time, I have the visual image as well as several tourist books under my belt. This book is very thoroughly researched. It makes me appreciate John Jakes even more now. When you're reading one of his novels and you encounter a historic figure, there is a 99.9% chance that that person really said or did what was in the book. At the very least, fictional accounts using real people are staged in a way that very likely could have occurred. I really believe that the reader can get an accurate sense of historical time and place through reading John Jakes.
[1ST READ]
I just really love John Jakes and his historical fiction. I read another person's review of this book, and she said it was too much like "Homeland." It's got some common themes because it shares a common time period, but I feel that they are completely separate stories. It's fascinating to read about how the super-rich lived. Such extravagance and excess! You can see how, in many ways with the elite in New York, not much has changed. I looked up images of Marble House and the Breakers in Newport. Holy Cow! Looks like the closest thing to a royal palace we'll see in this country.
I normally don't enjoy romantic story lines. But I enjoy the way Jakes writes romance, probably because it's not the main plot. I liked and disliked these characters. I like when you actually feel something about a character. I cared what was going to happen to them. I had sympathy for each of the main fictional characters at one point or another.
Another good Jakes book. It's not my favorite of his, but I learned a lot and enjoyed it.
After a recent trip to Newport, I decided to revisit this book. I had no prior knowledge of the period or place for my first read-through. However, this time, I have the visual image as well as several tourist books under my belt. This book is very thoroughly researched. It makes me appreciate John Jakes even more now. When you're reading one of his novels and you encounter a historic figure, there is a 99.9% chance that that person really said or did what was in the book. At the very least, fictional accounts using real people are staged in a way that very likely could have occurred. I really believe that the reader can get an accurate sense of historical time and place through reading John Jakes.
[1ST READ]
I just really love John Jakes and his historical fiction. I read another person's review of this book, and she said it was too much like "Homeland." It's got some common themes because it shares a common time period, but I feel that they are completely separate stories. It's fascinating to read about how the super-rich lived. Such extravagance and excess! You can see how, in many ways with the elite in New York, not much has changed. I looked up images of Marble House and the Breakers in Newport. Holy Cow! Looks like the closest thing to a royal palace we'll see in this country.
I normally don't enjoy romantic story lines. But I enjoy the way Jakes writes romance, probably because it's not the main plot. I liked and disliked these characters. I like when you actually feel something about a character. I cared what was going to happen to them. I had sympathy for each of the main fictional characters at one point or another.
Another good Jakes book. It's not my favorite of his, but I learned a lot and enjoyed it.
March 20, 2014
When I got this from the library, I didn't realize it was an abridged version. I despise these and would have preferred to hear ALL the words the author took the time and effort to pen. However, after finishing this, I felt like I hear a whole story. That is to say, the story flowed smoothly and the actions on the part of the characters was logical - and interesting.
I plan to get the printed book and read it as Newport and the gilded age history are something I find very interesting. It appears the author incorporated enough real people and places into the story to make it very believable. Well, aside from one storyline which I saw coming a mile away. Still, it was fun to try and picture in my mind where one prominent family might have lived on the famous Bellevue Avenue and also know exactly where some of the landmarks mentioned actually are.
This was an interesting, engrossing story of high society and all its scandals, ugliness, yet magical times during those few short months when Newport was lit up when The 400 came to stay.
I plan to get the printed book and read it as Newport and the gilded age history are something I find very interesting. It appears the author incorporated enough real people and places into the story to make it very believable. Well, aside from one storyline which I saw coming a mile away. Still, it was fun to try and picture in my mind where one prominent family might have lived on the famous Bellevue Avenue and also know exactly where some of the landmarks mentioned actually are.
This was an interesting, engrossing story of high society and all its scandals, ugliness, yet magical times during those few short months when Newport was lit up when The 400 came to stay.
January 1, 2018
A enjoyable saga of the golden age of Newport, RI when having a "cottage" was fashionable. Now those cottages are called mansions and thousands of visitors tour them each year. Recently went to see Rosecliff where they filmed the Great Gatsby. The book basically took place from 1893 - 1897. Sam Driver and his daughter Jennifer break into the society set. Money helps a lot with achieving their goals. Sam's plan to have his daughter marry well and titles are the new vogue. While her intended is titled, he is not a nice guy. Her heart belongs to an Irish boy whose heritage may be better than hers, but her father is out to make sure that relationship does not happen.
August 2, 2023
An interesting look at Gilded Age Newport and the various types of characters there during the 1890s. Jakes weaves a fictional story around Sam Driver, a poor man who rises to be a railroad multi millionaire, his lovely daughter, Jenny, and Prince Malloy, an Irish boy from the slums who becomes involved with the Drivers, and includes many real life people as characters: Mamie Fish, Caroline Astor, Ward McAllister, Harry Lehr, Alva Vanderbilt and Oliver Belmont, etc. Scandal, secrets, wealth, ostentation, greed, excess, all on show during summers at Newport. Interesting in historical detail and a decent story, but not one of Jakes's best novels.
October 17, 2011
Boring!!!!!!! Tara gave me this because of the couple months that I spent in Newport. The portions that talked about Newport was kind of interesting since I had seen the mansions and walked the cliffs but the story was weak and wordy and the typical short fall of a male author.
December 5, 2018
Before I was even a decade old back in the 1970s, before I (or anyone) had heard of Stephen King or John Grisham, John Jakes was one of the hottest authors around. He had a series of eight historical fiction books deemed “The Kent Chronicles” that told a magnificent tale of a family immigrating to the United States in the 17th century, all the way up to the late 1800s. I remember being a kid seeing just about every one of my mother’s friends was reading one of these eight books, and many years later, I discovered just how wonderful and timeless these pieces were. Well, as a follow up, during the 1980s, Jakes wrote his “North and South” trilogy, and those were just as awesome, and possibly even better received.
Since then, Jakes has slowed his output somewhat, and with a minor exception or two, his novels have been self standing - one book, one story. The Gods of Newport (to my knowledge) is his latest offering. All of his books fall under the header “Historical Fiction”, and the majority take place no later than the turn of the twentieth century. This story is no exception - taking place (mostly) during the last decade of the 1800s.
Our story revolves around recently widowed Samuel Driver and his only child, his teenage daughter Jenny. The Drivers have money. Lots of money. The problem is that it’s new money. So when Samuel wants to secure Jenny’s feature in a summer mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, it won’t be easy. This place is only for the wealthiest of the wealthy, and if you’ve only recently been rolling in the dough, you won’t exactly get invited to many social engagements. And Newport is all about social engagements. Really, what else is there to do for millionaires before automobiles and television?
So Samuel starts with good intentions, makes enough elegant friends, and begins his quest to give his daughter a life that he never could give for his recently departed wife. Jenny enjoys the good life as well, but one day, she happens to spot Prince Malloy who, unlike what his name sounds like, is one of the common laborers in Newport. Prince spots Jenny as well, and, well…..it doesn’t take a genius to figure out where this story is going. When Samuel gets wind of this attraction, he becomes quite the hostile fellow and he’ll stop at nothing to ensure his daughter doesn’t end up with someone “beneath” her. We actually start to loathe Samuel. Has he always been this way? Why is he turning into such a tyrant? It could be that this evil place of Newport is beginning to poison him. This place is incredibly wicked. If I had gobs of money and lived during this time, I’m not sure I would want to spend my life with such shallow purveyors of attention.
Having read just about everything John Jakes has written, I can’t help but feel as though I’ve read this story many times before in similar settings. Most of Jakes’ stories manage to spend at least part of the tale during the Civil War, and I must say, even though those books were incredibly engulfing, I’m glad he chose a slightly different setting this time. The whole north, south, slavery thing was getting a bit old. Still, as much as he tries, this story seems a bit rehashed if you’re a fan of Jakes.
I would recommend this book. It’s a very convincing story, and Jakes always does an excellent job in the research department, and also carefully carves real, historical figures within his pages. If you have the time (and patience), however, I would recommend that you tackle the Kent Chronicles and/or the North and South trilogy instead. John Jakes’ ideas were still fresh then, and, being that the stories take place centuries ago, the stories are never dated. The author, himself, is now in his eighties. I don’t know if he’s retired or not, but if he has, he needs to be proud of the great works that he has produced and that many have enjoyed.
Since then, Jakes has slowed his output somewhat, and with a minor exception or two, his novels have been self standing - one book, one story. The Gods of Newport (to my knowledge) is his latest offering. All of his books fall under the header “Historical Fiction”, and the majority take place no later than the turn of the twentieth century. This story is no exception - taking place (mostly) during the last decade of the 1800s.
Our story revolves around recently widowed Samuel Driver and his only child, his teenage daughter Jenny. The Drivers have money. Lots of money. The problem is that it’s new money. So when Samuel wants to secure Jenny’s feature in a summer mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, it won’t be easy. This place is only for the wealthiest of the wealthy, and if you’ve only recently been rolling in the dough, you won’t exactly get invited to many social engagements. And Newport is all about social engagements. Really, what else is there to do for millionaires before automobiles and television?
So Samuel starts with good intentions, makes enough elegant friends, and begins his quest to give his daughter a life that he never could give for his recently departed wife. Jenny enjoys the good life as well, but one day, she happens to spot Prince Malloy who, unlike what his name sounds like, is one of the common laborers in Newport. Prince spots Jenny as well, and, well…..it doesn’t take a genius to figure out where this story is going. When Samuel gets wind of this attraction, he becomes quite the hostile fellow and he’ll stop at nothing to ensure his daughter doesn’t end up with someone “beneath” her. We actually start to loathe Samuel. Has he always been this way? Why is he turning into such a tyrant? It could be that this evil place of Newport is beginning to poison him. This place is incredibly wicked. If I had gobs of money and lived during this time, I’m not sure I would want to spend my life with such shallow purveyors of attention.
Having read just about everything John Jakes has written, I can’t help but feel as though I’ve read this story many times before in similar settings. Most of Jakes’ stories manage to spend at least part of the tale during the Civil War, and I must say, even though those books were incredibly engulfing, I’m glad he chose a slightly different setting this time. The whole north, south, slavery thing was getting a bit old. Still, as much as he tries, this story seems a bit rehashed if you’re a fan of Jakes.
I would recommend this book. It’s a very convincing story, and Jakes always does an excellent job in the research department, and also carefully carves real, historical figures within his pages. If you have the time (and patience), however, I would recommend that you tackle the Kent Chronicles and/or the North and South trilogy instead. John Jakes’ ideas were still fresh then, and, being that the stories take place centuries ago, the stories are never dated. The author, himself, is now in his eighties. I don’t know if he’s retired or not, but if he has, he needs to be proud of the great works that he has produced and that many have enjoyed.
August 7, 2022
John Jakes was my first favorite author. I started reading him at probably 12, when I was way to young for his tales. Regardless, he made me fall in love with history. This is his last book (he’s still alive, but at age 90 and having not published in 16 years, I’m confidently calling this the last one); it’s been sitting in my shelf for a decade but I just never got around to picking it up.
Like all Jakes’ novels, Gods of Newport offers sweeping historical tales, full of rivalry and romance. His command of a historical era, the ability to make it sing, is why I fell i. Love with his writing 25 odd years ago.
Sadly, this is not Jakes’ best work. The Sam and Brady’s rivalry felt contrived, lacking any heat that could sustain a hatred and competition spanning years. And Jenny and Prince, while a perfectly expected romance, felt rushed and lacked foundation. Jakes always struggled with female characters and Gods of Newport is no exception. The women tend to me two dimensional, saints or sinners.
It’s not my favorite of his books, but I’m not mad about it. A perfectly acceptable entry from the author.
Like all Jakes’ novels, Gods of Newport offers sweeping historical tales, full of rivalry and romance. His command of a historical era, the ability to make it sing, is why I fell i. Love with his writing 25 odd years ago.
Sadly, this is not Jakes’ best work. The Sam and Brady’s rivalry felt contrived, lacking any heat that could sustain a hatred and competition spanning years. And Jenny and Prince, while a perfectly expected romance, felt rushed and lacked foundation. Jakes always struggled with female characters and Gods of Newport is no exception. The women tend to me two dimensional, saints or sinners.
It’s not my favorite of his books, but I’m not mad about it. A perfectly acceptable entry from the author.
June 30, 2021
This is a novel that shows us how the upper crust of society lives. While many people think that if they had more money their troubles would be over, this books shows that with great amounts of money, the troubles are still there. They just take different forms. Such was life for those who spent their summers in Newport. Wealthy families built huge “cottages” to impress one another just because they could. Social life had strict rules and a violation could cause one to be ostracized. Into that environment we are introduced to Sam Driver and his daughter Jenny. Sam was extremely wealthy but his was new money as opposed to old money that had been in the family for generations. Making it in that society was more difficult for the Drivers which didn’t matter much to Jenny. Her romance with a common worker became the engine that drives this story. Those who like historical fiction will enjoy this story. It was refreshing to find historical fiction that didn’t involve a war.
June 3, 2019
I've read most of John Jakes' books and my five favorites are 'Homeland', the first book in the 'Kent Family Chronicles', and the North & South trilogy. While he's written many more, they just don't live up to those. This one wasn't as disappointing as some of them have been, but it also wasn't one that I'll want to re-read, as I have with the others.
At first, I thought it would be one of his more formulaic books with one of the main characters never changing and growing and another reaching some tragic ending. While there was a not-so-unexpected 'tragic' ending for one of the antagonists, I was pleasantly surprised at how the two most stubborn characters in the books actually did have a growth arc. I was pleased with the ending, but leading up to it was kind of...predictable.
At first, I thought it would be one of his more formulaic books with one of the main characters never changing and growing and another reaching some tragic ending. While there was a not-so-unexpected 'tragic' ending for one of the antagonists, I was pleasantly surprised at how the two most stubborn characters in the books actually did have a growth arc. I was pleased with the ending, but leading up to it was kind of...predictable.
June 14, 2020
I enjoyed this novel. The Guilded Age is a period in history that, in its opulence and vulgarity fascinates me. I so enjoyed the historical perspective Mr. Jakes included in his storyline. The reader attaches themselves to the description and therefore embraces the people and their lifestyle.
Sam Driver grew up poor yet longed for the riches and wealth of the up crust of American society in the late 1890's. He wanted the very best for his daughter. Sam, being from new money, struggled to be accepted as part of the well to do in New York City and Newport, RI. His struggles, his triumphs and defeats are masterfully portrayed in this fine novel by one of my favorite authors.
The first 70 pages were difficult for me to wade through but after the novel took off and held me captive.
Sam Driver grew up poor yet longed for the riches and wealth of the up crust of American society in the late 1890's. He wanted the very best for his daughter. Sam, being from new money, struggled to be accepted as part of the well to do in New York City and Newport, RI. His struggles, his triumphs and defeats are masterfully portrayed in this fine novel by one of my favorite authors.
The first 70 pages were difficult for me to wade through but after the novel took off and held me captive.
July 17, 2023
Endlich gelesen. Seit Jahren im Bücherregal, musste ich einen der letzten Romane von John Jakes, den ich noch nicht kannte, mal zur Hand nehmen. Newport, der Ort der Reichen und Schönen, am Ende des 19. Jahrhundert und zwei Neureiche, die dazu gehören wollen. Amüsant und mit viel Humor erzählt Jakes. Die Story ist dabei nicht das Interessante, sondern die Spleens und Intrigen. Einige Vokabeln fehlen mir, aber es hat nicht gestört. Irgendwie ein Buch, dass um die Jahrtausendwende sicher gerne gelesen wurde, aber 20 Jahre später etwas antiquiert wirkt. Aber vielleicht liegt es auch am sehr speziellen Setting und meinen sentimentalen Erinnerung an tolle John Jakes-Lesestunden. Und jetzt? Ich glaube, ich mache mich an den großen Gatsby!
January 30, 2022
This was a fun read, as typical of John Jakes novels. You really feel like you get to know the characters, and what characters these are! It's hard to believe that people actually lived the lifestyles of these turn-of-the-century robber barons and those of "old" wealth. I just started watching "The Gilded Age" on Showtime which further shows the shallowness and uselessness of these Newport lives. However, these characters whether you love or hate them are fascinating to read about or watch on TV!
May 16, 2022
This book isn't about world-shaping events like some of the other books by John Jakes, but it is interesting as a study of the human race. The book shows how silly people can be, including the rich and famous. Building huge mansions in Newport, Rhode Island and trying to get invited to parties by other people at their huge mansions casts doubt on their sanity. The rigid class structure casts doubt on their wisdom. Whether or not Fitzgerald and Hemmingway actually traded quotes on "the rich being different than you and me," we suspect they have all the same failings we do.
August 19, 2017
This is a highly acclaimed novel and while I liked it - I can't say I loved it. It was interesting and the places and people were often based upon real life people and events but... it didn't leave me wanting more or feeling that engaged with these amazingly complex people. The complexities did come through but I didn't really care for any of them. Perhaps that is a reflection of the writing or the times or the people. I don't know.
August 20, 2017
Nouveau riche Sam Driver and his daughter, Jenny, do their best to break into Gilded Age Newport society in this entertaining historical novel. Despite Sam's aspirations, Jenny falls for a poor Irish lad and is torn between her desire and the expectation that she will make a socially advantageous marriage. Jakes portrays the world of 50-room ostentatious summer cottages with his usual keen eye for historical accuracy.
March 6, 2019
Oh my God this one was painful. I wanted to read a book set in Newport after a visit to the mansions. Thinking John Jakes was an author of some renown, I chose this. It took me over two years of stop and start to get through it and I had to skip about 75 pages to accomplish that. The communication style of the characters was not believable. In one breath using words that don’t exist in any common lexicon, to words like “turd” in the same paragraph. Ugh.
July 25, 2021
The story line is okay, but not great. The plot is predictable and the characters have a depth that more closely approximates that of Galveston Bay, rather than Narragansett. I read this mostly to learn a little about the history and culture of Newport during the Gilded Age. It was interesting only for that purpose. I did learn a little.
January 16, 2022
I found it hard to get into initially. Lots of people and their stories to remember. But I’m glad I continued because once everything fell together, I could hardly put it down. I found it extra interesting since I’d visited Newport a few months before, and purchased the book in The Breakers gift shop.
December 27, 2022
Opulence and Mayhem
Once again John Jakes does not disappoint. I got to live with the wealthy as well as the common folk. I loved the explanation of the Mansions (Cottages) of Newport. The story is one of how we plan folk can never rise above where we live, one must forge ahead. Never let the bastards get you down.
Once again John Jakes does not disappoint. I got to live with the wealthy as well as the common folk. I loved the explanation of the Mansions (Cottages) of Newport. The story is one of how we plan folk can never rise above where we live, one must forge ahead. Never let the bastards get you down.
July 9, 2025
Oh my goodness, I had forgotten how much I enjoyed reading John Jakes! Inspired by my fascination with HBO’s The Gilded Age, I dove headfirst into this novel, and I was amply rewarded.
It’s a light and fast read, incredibly well researched, and chock full of information on the follies of the Gilded Age’s Newport set. I happily followed Sam and Jenny’s dive into that community.
Love it.
It’s a light and fast read, incredibly well researched, and chock full of information on the follies of the Gilded Age’s Newport set. I happily followed Sam and Jenny’s dive into that community.
Love it.
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