Whiteoaks

The series covers 100 years of the wealthy Whiteoak family history, and it is partly based on de la Roche's own experiences. The central characters are Adeline Whiteoak, his grandson Eden and his half-brother Renny, his wife Alayne with a number of spouses, ex-spouses, and spouses-to-be.

The fourth in the series, Whiteoaks of Jalna begins: From the turnstile where the tickets were taken, a passage covered by striped red and white awning led to the hall of the Coliseum. The cement floor of this passage was wet from many muddy footprints, and an icy draft raced through it with a speed greater than that of the swift horses within. There were but a few stragglers entering now, and among these was eighteen-year-old Finch Whiteoak. His raincoat and soft felt hat were dripping; even the smooth skin on his thin cheeks was shining with moisture.