The Kent Family Chronicle

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The Kent Family Chronicle is a series of novels by John Jakes . It takes place between 1770 and 1900, mostly in the United States of America . It describes the fate of the Kent family over several generations, always in context with the historical events of the time. The American Revolutionary War , the Civil War, and the beginnings of the union movement are just three examples of historical events involving Kents family members.

action

Philippe Charboneau is the illegitimate son of Marie Charboneau, a French actress, and James Amberly, the British Duke of Kentland. Philippe grew up with his mother in France. Since there is a letter from the Duke to Marie assuring Philippe a substantial inheritance from the wealthy James Amberly, Marie hopes that one day it will come true and that her son will one day live in affluent circumstances. At the invitation of the Duke, Philippe and his mother travel to England. His family there, Lady Jane and his other son Roger use a trick to thwart the Duke's plans and Philippe is deprived of his inheritance. Philippe and Marie don't give up so easily and stay in England for the time being, where Philippe gets to know Benjamin Franklin and the printing trade. After all efforts are in vain and it seems impossible to him to get his father's inheritance, Philippe decides, against his mother's wishes, to emigrate to America in the new colonies. Marie is forced to go along, but dies on the crossing. - Having arrived in America, Philippe decides to get a new identity and is now called Philip Kent - after his father's title.

Philip Kent settles in Boston , where he finds a job as a printer. He met Anne Ware, whom he later married. The two have a son, Abraham Kent. Philip fights in the War of Independence and is separated from his family for a few years.

Volumes

The series consists of nine volumes (some publishers split the volumes into two books):

  • 1. The Bastard (The Bastard / The Plot)
  • 2. The Rebel (The Rebel / The Army)
  • 3. The Pioneers (The Pioneers / Voices of War; also: The Prisoner)
  • 4. The vengeance
  • 5. The Titans (The Titans / Off to Richmond)
  • 6. The Vanquished (The Vanquished / The Road of Fire)
  • 7. The outlaws
  • 8. The call of freedom
  • 9. The promise

Film adaptations

  • The Bastard (1978)
  • The Rebels (1978)
  • The Seekers (1979)

Web links