American Dreams
by John Jakes

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Book Reviews of American Dreams

Book Review: A disapointment after Homeland
Summary: 3 Stars

In Homeland we see the character of Paul Crown grow as an individual. There is no such characterization here. Fritzi is likable and intersting, but lacks the connection the reader will feel to Paul. Likewise, Paul's other cousin, Carl seems so one dimensional. Jakes make frequent references to Carl's clumsiness. That seems to be his stand out trait. Alot of the episodes here seem familair- the wealthy young woman with a forebodding father, Joe Sr's wrath at his children's careers/goals, a path of self discovery. It is all the same as homeland.

Meanwhile the principal characters from that novel, Paul, Joe Senior, Ilsa feel like guest stars in a television show. The younger generation is lacking somehow.

That being said, this is a good historical novel if you are interested in the turbulent years preceeding WWI. I would have liked seeing more how Joe Senior (a native German) felt about the brewing winds of war...

This was disapointing, but not entirely w/o merit.

Historical Books

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