Play Book Tag discussion

Wow. Historical fiction doesn’t get much better than this epic story about a pivotal time in European history. Fall of Giants by Ken Follett is set from 1911 to 1924, and focuses on World War I, the Russian Revolution, and votes for women. Threats to the power of the aristocracy is a major theme, as well as democratic vs autocratic government. Follett skillfully combines rich historical details with dramatic personal stories. We experience the events through the lives of characters in five families in Wales/UK, Russia, Germany, and America. There were many different characters and settings, but I found it surprisingly easy to keep them straight. The author introduces several of the characters when they are very young, with a vivid distinct story to make them more memorable. The audio narration by John Lee also makes it easy to keep the characters straight. His range of accents is extraordinary. I particularly enjoyed the musical Wales accent. I was riveted from the very first story (in the prologue) about young Billy Williams’ first day working in a Welsh coal mine, where he faced hours in the dark all by himself. I think Billy was my favorite character, or maybe it was his sister Ethel, who was a housekeeper for the rich Earl Fitzherbert who owned the mine’s land. I also liked Lady Maud, the earl’s sister who understands politics better than her brother does. She and Ethel both work tirelessly for women’s rights and other social issues. Another favorite was Grigori Peshkov, a Russian who plays a strong role in the Russian revolution. There is also a romantic German spy, and an earnest political aid from Buffalo, who both get to meet the King at a party at the Earl’s house.

This book held my attention the entire time, even during the scenes in the trenches. This book didn’t change my opinion that WWI was a senseless war, but it gave me a clearer picture. I think I gained the most new information about the end of WWI, and the beginning of the Russian revolution. I also got a very different view of Russia’s role in the war. This was a worthwhile and entertaining book.

I have a pet peeve about historical fiction novels that take too many liberties when speculating about the personal lives and thoughts of historical figures. Follett handles this well. He includes many historical figures in the book, but sticks close to what they’ve actually said or done. The fictional characters carry all the personal drama, in-depth dialogue, relationships, action, romance, thoughts, fears, etc. The historical research in this book is quite impressive. I might quibble with a few details in the Buffalo chapters (e.g. regarding the social structure at that time, Frank Lloyd Wright prairie houses, and the routes to Canada) but I don’t think they would bother most people. This book required in-depth knowledge of many different issues, events, locations and cultures. There are two more books in this series that I now really want to read.

I saw knew you would love this one when you finally got to it

So knew!!!

Yes, I was going to read this last year for the History challenge.
It took me a year, but I’m so glad I finally got to it.

This is one of my favorite series by him, enjoy the rest Nancy!

Wonderful review! I haven’t yet read Pillars of the Earth by this author - though I’ve had it on my tbr for what feels like ages - but I’ll be adding this series as well. Hopefully I find time to get to both soon!

Joanne wrote: "This is one of my favorite series by him, enjoy the rest Nancy!"

Joanne wrote: "This is one of my favorite series by him, enjoy the rest Nancy!"

That’s good to know. I added the next one to my tbr. Follett might become my go-to author every time my husband goes out of town. It was so nice to be able to read/listen all day and night without worrying about him.

Nicole wrote: "Wonderful review! I haven’t yet read Pillars of the Earth by this author - though I’ve had it on my tbr for what feels like ages - but I’ll be adding this series as well. Hopefully I find time to g..."

I liked Pillars of the earth a lot too. I read it twice, about 20 years apart, the second time with a group. I avoided long books for a long time, but this one didn’t feel too long to me.

By the entrance of the horseshoe. Go straight down the middle till you get to the long pool.

Amy wrote: "By the entrance of the horseshoe. Go straight down the middle till you get to the long pool."

Lol what does that mean Amy.

Oh, my God! That’s where that message went! I was trying to tell my kid how to find me at the pool!

That’s hysterical. I was wracking my brain trying to figure out what it meant.

Are you having a great time on vacation?

Too funny!

I wasn’t even drinking at that point - lol! Sorry to interrupt. Yes, having a great time!

I loved this trilogy and listened to it in audio several years ago. When I was done I missed the characters so much. They seemed so real to me.

I, too, enjoyed the Century trilogy. All were well researched with history serving as a backdrop for generations of several families. Each volume were tomes but Follett writer's craft made the pages sail by. I thought the first two were better than the final volume even if I was more familiar with its events.

John - I absolutely agree with you on Edge of Eternity. As you said, I was looking forward to that one because I was more familiar with many of the events. It was the only one I gave 4 Stars instead of 5.