I'm almost finished Kenneth Follett's newest novel, "Fall of Giants," a sweeping saga set on the tumultuous stage of World War I. The story has sucked me in! I'm fascinated by historical novels as I learn so much more than I ever did in high school history class.
The story revolves around five families - American, Welsh, British, German, Russian - and it brings readers into their everyday lives, from the stuffy drawing rooms of British aristocracy to the savage battlefields of Europe. In addition, women's suffrage is part of the story as it also was a major movement of the early part of the twentieth century.While the scope of this story seems impossibly broad, it brings to life universal issues such as world war, the Russian Revolution, votes for men and women, and shocking descriptions of battles like the one at the Somme where thousands of British soldiers were slaughtered.
I'm excited that the story will not end at the end of this book. Two more books will follow the descendants of these five families through the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War. However, we'll have to wait until 2012 and 2014 for these stories. In the meantime, I highly recommend this smart and sophisticated story.
25 comments:
I'll have to read that!
I've always enjoyed his books.
-- K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Seems like an interesting read for sure, Leslie.
How is the snow down that way?
It is thick and winterish here, that's for sure. Cold and today is - 19C with windchills of -25C. A cold Kootenay winter so far!
Take care.
Historical novels are such an interesting way to learn about our world. The authors amaze me with how they tie in all the elements of differing eras, usually through the development of charismatic characters. I like your snow scene, by the way. I hear there is another snowfall around corner in our area. This does not bode well for a warm winter in BC.:)
I'll make a note of that.
I've always loved Ken Follett's books! I'll have to pick this one up! Thanks for the tip Leslie! And a great S for the S Day! Hope your week is going well! Enjoy!
Sylvia
Sweeping Saga is quite an epic phrase in itself for the s letter. A good read is always a good find.
Thanks for the recomendation. It sounds like a book I would enjoy.
I've always enjoyed the Follett books but haven't read this one, yet! Excellent review! Happy Thanksgiving!
I don't think I have ever read any of Ken's books. Although I see him all over the book reading blogs. I am more of a cozy mystery, light romance kind of reader.
I do enjoy reading Ken Follett books so I guess i will have to find me a copy of this. Thanks for the tip. Leslie.
A SAGE recommendation, Leslie!
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
I bought that book to read on the plane home from Greece but never opened it. I will start soon though as I loved all of his previous books...ciao
That sounds like a stirring saga. Great take on the letter S.
Wow-incredibly fascinating. Although I am so sorrily behind on the books that I keep meaning to read that I've already purchased.
Sounds like a great book, and more to come!
Leslie, This sounds like a great read - thanks for the info and have a fantastic Thanksgiving!
I've never got on with Ken Follett's books, no idea why. But I agree with you about learning about history from literature than history books, much more fun :O)
I always like to read such books. In fact one of our own Dutch historians wrote several books about the last century, which were worth while reading.
Thanks for your book review!
I like a lot this writer!Thanks for this SPECIAL hint about the his book!
Léia :)
It sounds like an interesting read!! thanks for the tip :)
S is for Santa
Oh this book really looks interesting.
You are excellent at giving Book Reviews.
Sounds like a great book! I always like to check out books that have glowing recommendations!
Have3 a wonderful week Leslie!
I'm currently reading - what's it called? Anyway it's set in the Spanish civil war and I'm very confused with all the different parties involved. it doesn't help that I read last thing at night, but I don't think I could cope with a book that takes in so much!!
This book sounds almost like "The Young Lions" by Irwin Shaw, except that was set in WWII.
I love books about the historical era of WWI, and the Edwardian era. This sounds like a good read!
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