Random Reads discussion

Let's discuss chapters 17-24 here.

Wow...these chapters flew by. I find the writing to be very smooth and I'm surprised at how quickly I'm burning through this book.

Whether I agree with them or not, the main characters are complex and layered. Jakes also writes some truly deplorable villains here and the family drama reinforces the soap opera criticisms that I've heard. I'm entertained, but George's brother and sister-in-law are maddening...Stanley is such a little worm, and Isabel is just a perfect "mean girl". We also get another example of Justin LaMotte's cruel nature as a slave owner, and I fear that we haven't even seen the worst of him yet.

That train derailment was tense! After Jakes took Orry's arm in the war, I thought that we were going to see some tragedy impact George's family. Kind of surprised that the only casualty was the Pride Of Hazard.

Just finished. As I just moved to Rhode Island and live near Newport, it was cool to see it mentioned.

Isabel is the Wooorst!!! I’m glad she and Stanley have been somewhat knocked down. I hate the way she treats people. The train wreck was scary and Constance was awesome! It’s sad to see the Hazard family in so much turmoil, but we’re seeing it in both families.

Excited to go on to the next part!