Book 7 of 8 of the Kent Family Chronicles brings us full force into the labor union issues of the 1870's. Lots of horrors of those days we can't even begin to imagine. Gideon Kent, oldest son of Jephtha, great grandson of the original Philip Kent, has moved from a one sheet union rag to reporter/publisher of the family New York Union newspaper, in the hopes that he can make his mark in helping American labormen with wage/compensation issues. In reporting on union issues he always sends himself to do the reporting on strikes and current matters. On one of these trips to Chicago he tangles with the W&B Railroad President/founder. The man is simply evil...disguised in the wolves clothing of religion (disgusting beyond all comprehension). Because of the tangle, Courtleigh has vowed to destroy Gideon, his family, and his mistress. Because of pressing railroad business, strikes, and just life in general Courtleigh's efforts come and go...allowing Gideon time to ease off...and then not be watchful...which is never a good thing. A good book. I enjoyed it. It had some horrors, but nothing like book #3.
I read this series the summer before my 8th grade year. And I remember I really liked them. On the pre-test for American History I aced it, got the highest in the whole school, and I credit it all to these books. They are a great way to learn American History. I found the whole series at a yard sale this summer, and bought them, excited to read them again. But they weren't as good the second time. In fact, I didn't even finish the series. Maybe you have to know nothing about American History to really get into these books...I don't know.
What do You think about The Lawless (2005)?
This is volume 7 of the Kent Family Chronicles. The story takes place in the 15 years following the Civil War. It starts out with Matthew in Paris. He is the artist who won't change his views to be with his girlfriend and son. Most of the book deals with Gideon and his horrible marriage with Margaret. I felt sorry for Gideon with all he had to deal with due to Margaret's insanity. Don't get me wrong, Gideon didn't handle things the way he should have but I couldn't attack him too much based on his homelife.Gideon also had to deal with Tom Courtleigh who has vowed revenge on Gideon and his family following a confrontation. This conflict plays out throughout thte book reaching a climax at the end.Looking foward to reading the final volume The Americans soon.
—Brent Soderstrum
I believe this book (#7 in the series) is the best one yet. It exposes the reader to the strain of Gideon's family life, his unrequited love for Julia, and his struggle to become a "self-made" man. Gideon wasn't much of a student in his childhood and he finds he must work harder in his adult life to obtain the skills necessary to join the family publishing company. A reader can feel the pain of his wife's alcohol addiction along with the emotional withdrawal of his children. A hateful foe stalks his family. He has left the love of his life (Julia). And he's wracked by self-doubt. A gritty and all-too-human tale...
—Denise
