A riveting and unexpected novel that questions whether a peaceful and non- violent community can survive when civilization falls apart. Again, all are asleep, but I am not. I need sleep, but though I read and I pray, I feel too awake. My mind paces the floor. There are shots now and again, bursts here and there, far away, and I cannot sleep. I think of this man in his hunger, shot like a … in his hunger, shot like a rabbit raiding a garden. For what, Lord? For stealing corn intended for pigs and cattle, like the hungry prodigal helpless in a strange land.
I can hear his voice.
When a catastrophic solar storm brings about the collapse of modern civilization, an Amish community is caught up in the devastating aftermath. With their stocked larders and stores of supplies, the Amish are unaffected at first. But as the English (the Amish name for all non-Amish people) in the cities become increasingly desperate, they begin to invade nearby farms, taking whatever they want and unleashing unthinkable violence on the gentle communities.
Written as the diary of an Amish farmer named Jacob who tries to protect his family and his way of life, When the English Fall examines the idea of peace in the face of deadly chaos. Should members of a nonviolent society defy their beliefs and take up arms to defend themselves? And if they do, can they survive?
David Williams’s debut novel is a thoroughly engrossing look into the closed world of the Amish, as well as a thought-provoking examination of how we live today and what remains if the center cannot hold.
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When the English Fall was an unusual apocalyptic journey. I wasn’t sure what to really make of the audio. The narrator’s voice was seemingly Amish sounding. I know that may sound weird but I don’t I live in Pennsylvania and we are surrounded by Amish and his voice definitely sounds like he could be Amish I guess it’s a good thing for the book audiobook that is.
The formatting of this book was in a journal like or diary depending on your preference be followed Jake up and his journey through an apocalyptic type situation. I’m not really sure exactly how it came about maybe I missed that part.
I found a Book to be a bit slow. Authentic to real life situations within the Amish community of their farming and church and their religious believes it was all pretty much on point for what it really is. And I think that didn’t exactly help the storyline. We got to see what would happen in a world where the English are so used to technology and how the Amish or not.
I can’t say that I am thoroughly enjoyed the story it wasn’t the worst story but it also wasn’t that great of one. I don’t think this would be a story that I wouldn’t considering picking up in the physical form of a book.
The characters are bland their toes their demeanor they all seem very similar from the English to the Amish with the exception of the use of technology and vehicles and such everything just kind of blended together. Elizabeth for the storyline was really slow to start really slow in the middle really Sony and nothing too exciting happen and you would think with it being a pop elliptic journey something exciting what happened.
I applaud the author for thinking outside the box. I’ve never seen an apocalyptic book based on the Amish up brining, background and such so it was definitely, a change of pace, of characters, of setting but I think it could have been so much more than what it was.
Style was unique and interesting
Interesting viewpoint. Thought provoking.
When I started the book, I was thinking, “Oh, an apocalypse novel with a different viewpoint.” I had no clue how true that was! Set as diary entries from an Amish man trying to keep true to his beliefs and care for his family and his farm as the “English” (outsiders) world falls apart, the novel draws you into his world and has you questioning some of your own core beliefs as the novel proceeds. As darkness and violence press in on the Amish community, even though they wish only to help others and avoid violence themselves, Jacob (and the reader) begin to question what should be done in this situation and how to handle dark times when they come. Absolutely stunning in its simplicity of language and style, yet marvelously complex in the ideas, attitudes, and actions that it unflinchingly addresses, this book will leave you wondering about your own beliefs and attitudes. A definite must-read!
Very well written story about an Amish family trying to maintain their values in the midst of violence. Extremely relevant to the times we are living in right now or perhaps timeless.
Although I read both fiction and non-fiction daily, I rarely bother
to recommend an author to others. This book was an exception;
and I have emailed several of my friends to tell them about it.
I read it straight through, then immediately went back to amazon
to see if anything else was available from this author.
*Would dearly love to see a follow-up novel, with these characters.
The only thing bad about this book is–there should be more!
Such lovely prose, written as the diary of a simple, loving man confronted with unspeakable horror. Jacob’s language, as he struggles with chaos and a community founded in love and mutual support, is astonishing. I feel that I know Jacob, have wept with him, brought in the harvest with him and sat on his porch through a long twilight. I feel his pride in his children, his consternation with having a very smart wife and his wisdom in consulting her before making decisions. No one I know, no one I have EVER known, lives their values, minute to minute the way Jacob and his community do. Read this book.