Ken Follett’s magnificent historical epic begins as five interrelated families move through the momentous dramas of the First World War, the Russian Revolution, and the struggle for women’s suffrage. A thirteen-year-old Welsh boy enters a man’s world in the mining pits. . . . An American law student rejected in love finds a surprising new career in Woodrow Wilson’s White House. . . . A … . . . A housekeeper for the aristocratic Fitzherberts takes a fateful step above her station, while Lady Maud Fitzherbert herself crosses deep into forbidden territory when she falls in love with a German spy. . . . And two orphaned Russian brothers embark on radically different paths when their plan to emigrate to America falls afoul of war, conscription, and revolution.
From the dirt and danger of a coal mine to the glittering chandeliers of a palace, from the corridors of power to the bedrooms of the mighty, Fall of Giants takes us into the inextricably entangled fates of five families—and into a century that we thought we knew, but that now will never seem the same again. . . .
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Since schools no longer teach much History (especially about WW1), I think this book should be required reading. Of course, it’s a novel, but the author did a lot of research and presents a compelling story.
If you enjoy historical fiction, this is an excellent book centered around WW I. Ken Follett is an excellent writer
Again Follett never fails as an author.
Ken Follett is simply a great author. I’ve enjoyed every book of his I’ve read and have recommended them to others. Earthy, historic novels, with wonderful characters. They’re never short, but also never too long, and that’s part of what makes them great.
I have never read a book by Ken Follett that was not remarkable. This book is no exception. Historically,it relates events of Ww1. Events as they affected people in different countries. Very informative of this era. Lots of good characters and romantic interest.. I am not very interested in all of the details of actual warfare, but some would be interested in those details. A wonderful read.
I liked this book so much that I had to order the next book in the trilogy as soon as I finished the first book. “Fall of Giants” is 800+ pages long, but I was actually sorry when it was over.
Excellent read.
I have read all three of Ken Follett’s Century Trilogy. It was amazing. He has this unique way of creating his characters and how they all meld together throughout the story. This series began in 1911, a few years prior to World War I and ended in 2008. I don’t want to tell you how it ended because it will spoil it for everyone. His saga spandex the lives of families lies from England, Wales, Russia, and America. I cried throughout! It made me feel as if I were apart of each and every one of their lives. That’s how talent d Mr. Follett is. I’ve read the Pillars of the Earth and World Without End. It doesn’t matter which Century he is writing about. He will entrance you with his wit.
I cannot recommend anyone who is more talented. Bravo, Ken Follett, once again!
Have enjoyed the whole series the characters are wonderful how the author has connected them to all these real life events is great
Long read but well worth the time……looking forward to the sequel
Well written- I learned a lot about a period that I had never studied.
A very long book about 5 families during the period leading up to WW I and continuing during the war and ending as Hitler is transforming Germany. Well researched, easy to follow as the chapters move from one person to another. It covers Wales, Germany. America and Russia as the characters of each country intertwine with each other. It illustrates how the class system prolonged the war due to the incompetency of the officers appointed, not for military prowess, but for being part of the aristocracy.
I am not usually fond of this genre, but Follett manages to make history interesting. An excellent writer and is able to hold your interest, even when you are wondering if this book will ever end.
Wonderful. I would read it again.
I am an avid reader but seldom read a book nonstop as I did with this book. I then followed nonstop with the final two books of the trilogy
Interesting, but very slow.
Through this series, Follet as managed to enterwine his characters in the most significant events of the 20th century.
Hostorical and tells what happened in the building of Cathederals in a very personal way
This was an amazing account, in fiction form, of WW I. It was an eye opener for me as I really know very little about this time in history. I recommend it for anyone interested in our history, in Europe’s history, in the relationships between people and cultures. It was excellent as well as haunting, knowing what was to come in 20 short years.
Another great historical novel by Ken Follet. The characters are full of life and you wil soon adopt them in your inner circle. Their life separated but at the same time united. Love how this author shows time and time again how we are all intertwined in the adventure of life. Well researched will teach you history in an entertaining way.
Yes, it is all these things. Amazing characters, well researched history, a bit of humor and so much more. A great start to a new trilogy.