Who Would Like This Book:
If you love sweeping historical sagas that mix real events with rich, interlocked fictional characters, this one's for you. 'Fall of Giants' pulls you into the early 20th century, following five families from different countries as they navigate World War I, the Russian Revolution, and major social changes like women's suffrage. The book is packed with fascinating details from different nations' perspectives, memorable characters (especially some strong female leads), and loads of drama. History buffs, fans of family sagas, or anyone who enjoys learning while being entertained will likely get hooked - especially if you enjoy series like 'War and Remembrance' or 'Downton Abbey.' Bonus: the audiobook is highly praised for its engaging narration.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you're looking for subtle, deep character work or don't have patience for long tomes (this one's a doorstopper, nearly 1,000 pages!), you might struggle here. Some readers find the characters stereotypical, the sex scenes forced, and the historical exposition a bit heavy-handed. If you dislike coincidental plot twists or prefer literary prose over fast-paced storytelling, this may not be your cup of tea. Also, political and battle scenes can drag for those who prefer their fiction light on history.
About:
"Fall of Giants" by Ken Follett is the first installment in The Century Trilogy, a sweeping historical novel set in the early 20th century. The story revolves around five interconnected families from different countries, including England, America, Russia, and Germany, as they navigate through the tumultuous events of World War I. delves into the political landscape of the time, touching on topics such as labor unions, suffragettes, and the causes of the war, while portraying the personal lives and relationships of the characters against the backdrop of historical events.
Ken Follett's writing style in "Fall of Giants" is praised for its rich historical detail and compelling storytelling. The narrative seamlessly moves from Washington to St. Petersburg, capturing the dirt and danger of a coal mine as well as the opulence of a palace. The characters, ranging from Welsh miners to Russian aristocrats, are vividly portrayed, and their diverse perspectives on the war provide a multifaceted view of the era. Despite some criticism for historical inaccuracies and lengthy war scenes, the book is lauded for its immersive depiction of the time period and the intricate connections between the characters.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book includes themes of war violence, sexual exploitation, and political dissent, which could be distressing to some readers.
Has Romance?
The book contains romantic elements, including various love affairs that intertwine with the characters' political and social struggles.
From The Publisher:
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 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. . . .
Ratings (115)
Incredible (36) | |
Loved It (48) | |
Liked It (21) | |
It Was OK (7) | |
Did Not Like (2) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (241):
Read It (118) | |
Currently Reading (2) | |
Want To Read (74) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (46) |
1 comment(s)
Brilliant character driven novel set around world war 1. Lost myself in all the interwoven stories. Loved it.
What can you read after
Fall of Giants?
About the Author:
Ken Follett is one of the world's best-loved authors, selling more than 170 million copies of his thirty-two books. Follett's first bestseller was Eye of the Needle, a spy story set in the Second World War. In 1989, The Pillars of the…
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