Homeland, John Jakes is formidable novel about the final explosive events of the nineteenth century. Is the first in a series that will focus attention on a new “Jakes” family, The crowns. Multiple characters and settings are the norm for Jakes; however, this story rivets primary attention on Paul Crown. A young German immigrant. Paul leaves behind a Germany of cholera, poverty and political upheaval only to face problems of equal magnitude in America. Undaunted by a difficult ocean crossing Paul arrives at Ellis Island penniless but naive ....