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1.91k reviews for:
La Caída de Los Gigantes (the Century 1) / Fall of Giants (the Century, Book 1)
Ken Follett
4.19 AVERAGE
1.91k reviews for:
La Caída de Los Gigantes (the Century 1) / Fall of Giants (the Century, Book 1)
Ken Follett
4.19 AVERAGE
Good Read. Interesting take on WWI/Russian Revolution era.
With lots of historic detail, this is a gripping and informative retelling of the build up to, and duration of, WWI. At over 800 pages long, I was more than a little daunted when I started this one. But I was soon drawn in by its complex, interesting characters, particularly the feminist icons that are Ethel and Maud! I’ll definitely be coming back for the second book in the trilogy so I can find out where they all end up.
Pro: I feel like I understand the complexities that are World War I, which is no small feat.
Cons: This book is about 600 pages too long. It also has weirdly abrupt and crass sex scenes throughout. The language used for “romantic” situations was cringeworthy and very off-putting.
Cons: This book is about 600 pages too long. It also has weirdly abrupt and crass sex scenes throughout. The language used for “romantic” situations was cringeworthy and very off-putting.
Needs a round of applause really. Excellent!
On to the next...
On to the next...
I returned it about a quarter the way through. Love the historical aspect of it, as well as the descriptions of different caste of life depicted in the novel, as well as the mining and "Downton Abbey"-esque storylines, which are interesting to me. However, sexual adult themes were too numerous and too descriptive for me to enjoy it. It is not a book to listen to with children around, which tends to be the case with audiobooks I borrow.
adventurous
emotional
I’m not usually one for historical fiction, but this (almost 1,00 pages) book kept me enthralled the whole way through. I think I learned more about WW1 from the book than I did during my school years. Informational AND entertaining! It deserves all 5 stars.
Another brilliant novel from Mr Follett. Another series to keep you hooked.
I love the rich character development that left me feeling as though they were people i knew personally. The descriptive quality of the narration really captured me and creates a visual aspect that has the reader feeling like they are truly immersed in the world he has created.
I started out loving Fitz. He was a great character. But as the story developed i liked him less and less and by end i kind of detested him which was a tiny bit disappointing. I was hoping he would be redeemed in my eyes by the end. But the complete indifference he shows towards Lloyd and Ethel is appalling - he offered a house for her and the child and an education for the boy but only if its in exchange for her being his mistress. Then the complete distaste he shows for her after her political leanings are more evident was unsurprising but a little disappointing. His treatment of Billy... not very nice... but mostly it was his treatment of Maud after she divulged her secret that really ruined him for me. It is deplorable that he cut her off completely all because she didn't ask his permission.... lord and master! The only reason he was in charge of all the family wealth was because he was born a boy and only boys could inherit but he should have seen it as his responsibility to assist. The fact that she and her family had to do without so much just because of his pettiness really annoyed me.
The scenes of war were suitably harrowing.
I love Walter and Mauds love story. So nice to see a man that doesn't conveniently forget he has a wife during wartime the second a cute and willing woman flirts their way. A true romance.
Lev was a deplorable character and i hope he gets a good dose of karma in the sequels.
Ethels husband was so insipid as to be completely forgettable - i can't recall his name.
The fact that the characters inspire any emotion in the reader is a sign of a very well constructed book. But that's no surprise being a Ken Follett. I have yet to read one of his that doesn't leave me wanting more.
I love the rich character development that left me feeling as though they were people i knew personally. The descriptive quality of the narration really captured me and creates a visual aspect that has the reader feeling like they are truly immersed in the world he has created.
I started out loving Fitz. He was a great character. But as the story developed i liked him less and less and by end i kind of detested him which was a tiny bit disappointing. I was hoping he would be redeemed in my eyes by the end. But the complete indifference he shows towards Lloyd and Ethel is appalling - he offered a house for her and the child and an education for the boy but only if its in exchange for her being his mistress. Then the complete distaste he shows for her after her political leanings are more evident was unsurprising but a little disappointing. His treatment of Billy... not very nice... but mostly it was his treatment of Maud after she divulged her secret that really ruined him for me. It is deplorable that he cut her off completely all because she didn't ask his permission.... lord and master! The only reason he was in charge of all the family wealth was because he was born a boy and only boys could inherit but he should have seen it as his responsibility to assist. The fact that she and her family had to do without so much just because of his pettiness really annoyed me.
The scenes of war were suitably harrowing.
I love Walter and Mauds love story. So nice to see a man that doesn't conveniently forget he has a wife during wartime the second a cute and willing woman flirts their way. A true romance.
Lev was a deplorable character and i hope he gets a good dose of karma in the sequels.
Ethels husband was so insipid as to be completely forgettable - i can't recall his name.
The fact that the characters inspire any emotion in the reader is a sign of a very well constructed book. But that's no surprise being a Ken Follett. I have yet to read one of his that doesn't leave me wanting more.
adventurous
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Police brutality, Murder, Pregnancy, War
Sweet Jesus, this is a long book. I read all of the Follet's Pillars of the Earth series, but this book didn't quite capture me in the same way. I skimmed and toiled my way through parts of it, and really have no interest in continuing with the saga.