“AS ENTERTAINING AS SARUM AND RUTHERFURD’S OTHER SWEEPING NOVEL OF BRITISH HISTORY, LONDON.”–The Boston Globe“Engaging . . . A sprawling tome that combines fact with fiction and covers 900 years in the history of New Forest, a 100,000-acre woodland in southern England . . . Rutherfurd sketches the histories of six fictional families, ranging from aristocrats to peasants, who have lived in the … aristocrats to peasants, who have lived in the forest for generations. . . . But the real success is in how Rutherfurd paints his picture of the wooded enclave with images of treachery and violence, as well as magic and beauty.”
–The New York Post
“THE FOREST IS MICHENER TOLD WITH AN ENGLISH ACCENT.”
–St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“TALES OF LOVE AND HONOR, DECEIT AND VIOLENCE, INHERITANCE AND LOSS.”
–San Jose Mercury News
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It is difficult to write the history of an area over several hundred years and keep the characters interesting and working with the history of the area. I could have enjoyed each person’s story as a stand-alone short story and found it enjoyable and solid. Conveys a sense of the New Forest deeper and fuller than I had anticipated, and I want to share this one.
I usually like this author, but this book just drug on and on, I finally just stopped (which I rarely do).
Very informative. Really enjoy all books by this author. He has a real knack for
making history interesting. Have read most of his books.
Rarely is history about a PLACE, with those inhabiting the area somewhat incidental as the story moves forward. Rutherford pulls this off brilliantly. His writing is engaging, and the reader moves through history easily with the story.
Boring
Excellent historical background…I hated leaving a period, but was truly captivated by the next segment!
All his books are incredible!
This was the best book I have read in years.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I’ve enjoyed both books. He presents historical fiction in an interesting and informative way. Highly recommend.
Have loved everyone of Edward Rutherfurd’s books
Simply outstanding
As a Rutherford fan this sequel to Sarum is perfect.
As usual, any work by rutherfurd is a good read.
Connection between characters through different years and stories.
Could not get into storyline.
I’m a fan of sweeping epic novels like those of Rutherfurd and Michener. Compared to other Rutherford titles, I found this one a little sluggish, although very informative. As a fan of British history his added a new perspective to some time periods and filled in some gaps in my knowledge.