Book Review-Newer Books 8

Review— The Gods of Newport

John Jakes wrote the novel, The Gods of Newport; Dutton Books published the 383-page book in November 2006.

Coming on the turn into the twentieth century, Newport, Rhode Island was a place of respite for the wealthy during the summer months. Wealthy tourists flocked to the coastal town, bringing what they believed were their morals, scruples, fashion, money, and power. Often their ideas varied with the locals who lived there year round and often lived below poverty levels. This was a time before telephones and automobiles, much less cell phones, airplanes, and computers.

Sam Driver was a ruthless man who made his fortune and attained power by working with men like Jay Gould and Jim Fisk. When their power shifted, Sam was quick and wise enough to have saved to spend another day. After his wife died, Sam was left with a young daughter. For Sam, who wanted to move into the best circles, Newport was the answer. Sam wanted to join the ranks of those who had snubbed him and his late wife. Jenny, though naïve and innocent, was thrown into situations a young girl should be forever left unaware. Through trials of love, loss, an impossible marriage, and independence, she survives.

Prince Molloy is a young man who is on the wrong side of the tracks and blankets for that day and age. However, the changes coming in the twentieth century give him chances to make his way to his true love.

These are some of the characters that John Jakes has brought to Newport. Many of the other characters give little meaning to virtues or real character. The turning of the century looked to have primary goals of getting ahead fast regardless of those under your shoes. This was the time before the development of a middle class and there were only two classes in this novel. After reading the Kent family chronicles and loving the series by John Jakes, this novel was a slow read about the very few characters with any redeeming qualities. Beware if you are expecting the same level of character in this book as Jakes has achieved in the past.