The Bastard

The Bastard, published in 1974 as the first installment of The Kent Family Chronicles, follows the journey of Philippe Charboneau from France to pre-revolutionary America. The novel spans the years 1770-1775, tracking pivotal moments leading to the American Revolution through the experiences of its main character. Philippe Charboneau, the illegitimate son of an English duke, travels to England to claim his inheritance but faces rejection from his father's family. After fleeing to London, he learns the printing trade and eventually sets sail for the American colonies, where he adopts the name Philip Kent. In Boston, Philip becomes involved with a printing press and finds himself at the center of growing colonial unrest. His position at the Boston Gazette connects him to key revolutionary figures and events, while his personal life intertwines with a prominent local family. The novel examines themes of identity, legitimacy, and self-determination, mirroring the larger struggle of the American colonies as they move toward independence from Britain. These parallel journeys - personal and political - form the foundation of what would become an eight-book series chronicling American history.

Readers find this historical novel engrossing and fast-paced, with detailed research that brings Revolutionary War-era America to life. Many note that despite its length, the story maintains momentum throughout. Readers appreciate: - Complex characters that evolve over time - Balance of historical events with personal drama - Clear explanations of colonial politics and conflicts - Romantic subplots that don't overshadow the main narrative Common criticisms: - Some scenes feel melodramatic - Too many coincidental plot developments - Historical figures can seem caricatured - Writing style occasionally becomes repetitive Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (15,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (900+ ratings) ThriftBooks: 4.5/5 (200+ ratings) "Not high literature but absolutely absorbing" notes one Goodreads reviewer. Several Amazon reviewers mention reading the entire Kent Family Chronicles series multiple times, with one calling it "history that reads like a soap opera - in the best way."

North and South by John Jakes A sweeping family saga set against the backdrop of the American Civil War follows two families from different regions through romance, warfare, and social transformation.

Forever Amber by Kathleen Winsor The rise of a young woman from poverty to the court of Charles II captures the political intrigue, romance, and social dynamics of Restoration England.

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett The construction of a medieval cathedral serves as the centerpiece for multiple generations of characters navigating power struggles, romance, and social upheaval in 12th-century England.

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough Three generations of an Australian family face love, loss, and forbidden relationships on their sheep station in the Outback from 1915 to 1969.

The Kent Family Chronicles by John Jakes The American Revolution comes to life through the experiences of a family whose members participate in key historical events and interact with notable figures of the era.

🔷 "The Bastard" marked the beginning of John Jakes' massively successful Kent Family Chronicles, which would eventually sell more than 55 million copies worldwide. 🔷 Before writing historical fiction, John Jakes wrote science fiction and fantasy under various pen names, including the "Brak the Barbarian" series. 🔷 The novel was adapted into a highly-rated television miniseries in 1978, starring Andrew Stevens and Patricia Neal, reaching over 120 million viewers. 🔷 Jakes spent two years researching colonial America and the Revolutionary period for this book, visiting historical sites and consulting primary sources to ensure accuracy. 🔷 The character of Philippe Charboneau was partially inspired by real-life historical figures who changed their names upon arriving in America, a common practice during the colonial period.