Reviews tagging 'Sexism'

A Column of Fire by Ken Follett

3 reviews

joey1914's review

adventurous dark informative mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Infertility, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Sexual violence, Pregnancy, Animal death, Gore, Racism, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Torture, Antisemitism, Violence, War, Blood, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Death of parent, Grief, Gun violence, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Colonisation, Classism, Murder, Misogyny, Rape, and Slavery

beanjoles's review against another edition

adventurous emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I really enjoyed this entry in the Kingsbridge series. WwE was fairly similar to PotE in that it followed builders, the monastery, and the development of Kingsbridge itself. ACoF turns its focus outward and propels the reader into the world of Tudor England, the French Wars of Religion, and the seemingly endless conflict between Catholics and Protestants. The book is incredibly satisfying to read as a story of political and religious intrigue. I loved seeing real historical figures portrayed just as vividly and realistically as the main ensemble of characters. And of course, the classic Follett tropes remain:

star-crossed lovers; Good or Evil characters; sexual violence against women (Follett just can't let that go, but at least he didn't it as a plot device nearly as much as in the other books)

. But there were some satisfying new additions, too: a sweeping cast of characters (I think his biggest yet for this series); historical scenes set in at least four different countries; much more visible and prominent historical figures; much more religion (which he handled tactfully). I also really liked the character of

Ebrima (may be spelling that incorrectly)

 

As always, John Lee is an incredible narrator for the story. Highly recommend the audio production! 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual violence, Rape, Sexism, Slavery, War, and Torture

Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Torture, and Racism

Minor: Colonisation

mangopassion555's review against another edition

dark emotional informative fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual violence, Religious bigotry, Racism, Physical abuse, Rape, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual content, Sexism, and Misogyny