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danaelycia's review
5.0
Who'd have thought a book about bankers would be so deliciously intriguing. That's right... bankers. Probably the most boring profession ever and possibly more boring in the 1800s.
This story is typical of Follett. Well thought out, well researched, realistic, and well developed characters. There's a mystery that starts the book off. After awhile it gets put in the background only to be brought back up towards the end and has you going "wow, I totally didn't see that coming".
This story is typical of Follett. Well thought out, well researched, realistic, and well developed characters. There's a mystery that starts the book off. After awhile it gets put in the background only to be brought back up towards the end and has you going "wow, I totally didn't see that coming".
suvata's review against another edition
4.0
In 1866, tragedy strikes the exclusive Windfield School when a young student drowns in a mysterious accident. His death and its aftermath initiate a spiraling circle of treachery that will span three decades and entwine many lives.
From the exclusive men’s clubs and brothels that cater to every dark desire of London’s upper class to the dazzling ballrooms and mahogany-paneled suites of the manipulators of the world’s wealth, one family is splintered by a shared legacy. But greed, fed by the shocking truth of a boy’s death, must be stopped, or the dreams of a nation will die.
From the exclusive men’s clubs and brothels that cater to every dark desire of London’s upper class to the dazzling ballrooms and mahogany-paneled suites of the manipulators of the world’s wealth, one family is splintered by a shared legacy. But greed, fed by the shocking truth of a boy’s death, must be stopped, or the dreams of a nation will die.
chito915's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
wrentheblurry's review
4.0
Ken Follett sure knows how to tell a story, and he oozes character development skill. I got to know every character in the title well, for better or for worse. There were manipulators, the manipulated, the highborn, the lower class, and everything in between. I was eager to discover what these people would do next, and who they would do it to.
As a period piece, I cannot vouch for its authenticity (since I'm not an expert on London and South America in the late 1800s), but I can tell you that it didn't matter: it felt completely accurate. I was transported, and happy to be there.
The backbone of the book revolves around the banking profession, and while this holds zero interest for me, this didn't matter either. Follett can make weed pulling a fascinating profession as far as I'm concerned. Plus, I respect an author that isn't afraid to.
After page 400-something, this book took on a stronger soap-opera feel. This normally would have detracted from its rating, but I figure if I want to read a book enough that I can get through a 568 pager in 5 days, that can counteract the extra drama. It still did elicit some private eye-rolling towards the end, but I never wanted to put it down. Nice work!
As a period piece, I cannot vouch for its authenticity (since I'm not an expert on London and South America in the late 1800s), but I can tell you that it didn't matter: it felt completely accurate. I was transported, and happy to be there.
The backbone of the book revolves around the banking profession, and while this holds zero interest for me, this didn't matter either. Follett can make weed pulling a fascinating profession as far as I'm concerned. Plus, I respect an author that isn't afraid to
Spoiler
kill off characters to better develop the plot.After page 400-something, this book took on a stronger soap-opera feel. This normally would have detracted from its rating, but I figure if I want to read a book enough that I can get through a 568 pager in 5 days, that can counteract the extra drama. It still did elicit some private eye-rolling towards the end, but I never wanted to put it down. Nice work!
duparker's review
2.0
This was filled with too much stereotypical Follett and didn't feel original or worth checking out. From a completest standpoint, I am glad I read it, but would never recommend the drivel that made up much of this book.
sardinetin's review
4.0
This was the first book I've read by Ken Follett, for a reason slightly unclear to me. Slightly predictable, but fantastic escapism. Perfect holiday reading.
apochemu's review
2.0
This book was maddening to me for about 75% of it. The bad guys were constantly winning and the good guys could never catch a break. Normally fine, every novel needs a problem to overcome, but this was annoyingly so. The ending was somewhat satisfying. All anyone ever thought about was sex, money, and power. There were lots of detailed sex scenes in it (awkward) with a sprinkling of the f-word throughout. The characters were pretty stereotypical and had no development even though this novel took place over the course of 30 years. You knew what decisions and reactions they would have cuz they never changed no matter if they were 16 years old or 40 so much of it was pretty predictable.