The Americans by John Jakes

The Americans (Kent Family Chronicles) This is the last of the Kent Family Chronicles and probably my favorite.  Gideon Kent has lost hope that his three children will carry on the Kent family tradition of working for the good of the country.  Eleanor is more interested in her acting career than the effect that her marraige to a Jew affects her life and the country's attitude towards the Jews in general.  Carter's rebelliousness against any authority has him being expelled from Harvard. Given a chance in San Fransico, Carter heads west, but half way there decides to go it alone, deboards the train and sets off to make his own way.  Will is concentrating so hard on getting accepted to the elite society that he doesn't see the traps set for those who are paving his way.