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wenzday01's review
I’m going to skip eating this book. I wasn’t engaged with the story yet listened to all 46 hours. Some parts like the building of the Salisbury Cathedral and the plague were interesting but many parts I found rather boring and can’t recall much about them. I read it mostly because we won’t get a chance to visit Salisbury during our travels this summer. I will still plan on attempting other books by Rutherfurd though and see if I like them any better.
karrama's review against another edition
4.0
The story of a city from the ice age to the modern post war era. A certain kind of fun to read about the characteristics and families fortunes as they change over generations.
wifeslife's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
bookwoman1967's review against another edition
4.0
If you like sweeping historical epics, this is for you. This author is the British James Michener.
jennybpenny's review
5.0
It was not a museum at all - neither the close nor the bustling town, neither the great house at Wilton nor the medieval cathedral with its soaring spire. All were as alive as on the first day they were made. For ancient forms could be re-used, medieval forms and colours recreated, and new forms would be found at Sarum.
jakelewis_23_'s review against another edition
5.0
Still one of my favourite books ever! Fantastic on a re-read/listen! I do get less interested as we get nearer the present day but thats just my love of history up to the Tudor period! The scope is just mind blowing, to follow an area for thousands of years through history is brilliant! Love how the generations of characters flow and feuds come and go and linger!
Truly a masterpiece! Would recommend to everyone
And yes I am biased because its my home town!
Truly a masterpiece! Would recommend to everyone
And yes I am biased because its my home town!
7seventythree3's review against another edition
3.0
1000 plus pages of teeny tiny writing. This book made me feel old. Not due of the content, but because for the first time in my 20/20 life I had to wear reading glasses. I've had this one in my library for a very long time and always intended to read it. So I took my geriatric eyes to the bookshelf and finally dusted off the jacket.
Basically, this is a 1000 page description of the main character: England or more specifically Salisbury, England (Sarum). The author cleverly uses micro stories of fictional families and their descendants set at different points in history (progressively). We start with ancient men and work our way into the modern age. We move rapidly through time and I found that as soon as I got to know and like a character or event it was over and I was swept into the next period.
Some parts are very interesting: cultures of ancient hunters, Celts, Romans, Monks, Vikings, the Plague, crusades, a witch trial, many more (all the usual suspects). As well as some of the characters and their lifestyles, failures, romances, religions, feuds, and temptations were engrossing. Many historical figures are mentioned or directly involved. Too many to list. Also I enjoyed the building techniques, farming, laws, and other technical descriptions.
Other parts are just okay or plain boring. I admit to glossing over a few paragraphs because I wasn't as interested in that character or historical age.
Overall it was a good reminder that we are living in just a mere speck in time. It was a very good book, but I think I prefer to stay with one person or group through an entire story.
Bonus: I learned a ton.
Basically, this is a 1000 page description of the main character: England or more specifically Salisbury, England (Sarum). The author cleverly uses micro stories of fictional families and their descendants set at different points in history (progressively). We start with ancient men and work our way into the modern age. We move rapidly through time and I found that as soon as I got to know and like a character or event it was over and I was swept into the next period.
Some parts are very interesting: cultures of ancient hunters, Celts, Romans, Monks, Vikings, the Plague, crusades, a witch trial, many more (all the usual suspects). As well as some of the characters and their lifestyles, failures, romances, religions, feuds, and temptations were engrossing. Many historical figures are mentioned or directly involved. Too many to list. Also I enjoyed the building techniques, farming, laws, and other technical descriptions.
Other parts are just okay or plain boring. I admit to glossing over a few paragraphs because I wasn't as interested in that character or historical age.
Overall it was a good reminder that we are living in just a mere speck in time. It was a very good book, but I think I prefer to stay with one person or group through an entire story.
Bonus: I learned a ton.
ladyreading365's review
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
hewlettelaine's review against another edition
4.0
Another solid installment of these historical fictions. I bought my copy on a recent visit to Old Sarum itself, which was very fitting!
katherine_walker's review
challenging
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75