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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
My teens was when I first and I think last read Ken Follett. I wasn't really impressed then with his books, despite those books being touted as some of his best works ever. Well, goes to show how different individual liking can be. So, when I chose to read this book, it was more for the subject than the author, although I had heard a lot of good things about the way the author had written the book etc. Nevertheless, I was sceptical and wasn't really expecting anything better than an average read, which I thought would take me a long time to finish, given that I a naturally disposed towards other shinier books all the time! However, I was in for a surprise. Not only did I finish the book quickly (at least according to me it was quick) but it was a page turner and non put-downable book (okay that phrase is mine and not correct English but believe me, it is worth that tag)!
Ken Follett, through the lives of five families, recounts some of the world's most important historic moments and what's more is that he does it with a certain panache and pace that is definitely worth praises. In the beginning when I started the book, I wondered how he will link and manage to keep the families right along with their successes/defeats/growths/setbacks etc. but he doesn't fail one bit in the handling of the characters or their lives or their stories. Nowhere are you left wondering what happened to X character or Y character. What is even better is that he incorporates real life historical figures into the storyline with aplomb and it never feels artificial or contrived.
I loved the plot building and character building in this book. What I loved most was the fact that the two were intertwined with each other and supported each other really beautifully. The events led to the casual growth of the characters and the characters growth led to the events and the two did meet beautifully. Another aspect that I loved of this author in this book is his presentation of his characters. Each of them have shades that are unique and nowhere does the author force you to think of them as good or bad. In fact, he leaves all the judging to you and allows himself the freedom to develop them in a way that perhaps speaks to him whilst also speaking to us. I loved and hated and then loved all the characters through their journey, such was their impact on me. Nowhere did I continue to feel the same way for any character, except perhaps Billy and Grigori, both of whom I was rooting for throughout the book. The beauty of the characters created by Ken Follett is such that even when they are doing something wrong, they do it with such a style that you end up admiring them for that rather than hating them. One such character is Lev who I feel is the best and the worst character (one you love and hate and hate that you love) in this book.
A few discussions regarding the book in the past brought to my notice that some of the historical facts stated here in the book were either wrong or somewhat exaggerated. While it did bother me a little in the beginning, given the fact that the author has done more than 20 years of research and consulting experts in all fields before penning this book; I would like to say that it didn't take away from me the enjoyment given by this book while I read it. I think it was fun and while moving along with the characters in their lives, I was more caught up in their fictional tales rather than the historical aspect. This meant that I enjoyed it so much that I was reluctant to take away even a single star from my rating. However, if you are a history buff and are well versed in the World War scenarios, some of it might irritate you, I am not sure. In such cases, I guess you need to read it as a fictional tale set in that historical period and just let go of the historical accuracies or inaccuracies, if any. For myself, I am not well learned or read in the matters of that period, so I took everything that came my way as the truth or as much truth as it can be and enjoyed the story. If you are willing to enjoy a good tale, with some real and imagined characters, set in the backdrop of one of the world's most important times, please go ahead and read it. I assure you, you won't be disappointed.
Finishing the book last night, I felt akin to losing a part of myself and that to me is the best thing a book can do. I was so engrossed in it that I forgot everything else, except maybe periodically updating my progress here in GR. LOL!
Once I put it down after it ended, I wanted to rush and start the next book in the series and believe me I almost did that. However, sanity prevailed and I stopped myself...the reason being that I largely wanted to dwell and drift in the thoughts and feelings created by the first book in my mind. While I do that and also look forward to reading the next book, why don't you give this one a try? Rest assured that you will be entertained! :)
Happy reading! :)
Ken Follett, through the lives of five families, recounts some of the world's most important historic moments and what's more is that he does it with a certain panache and pace that is definitely worth praises. In the beginning when I started the book, I wondered how he will link and manage to keep the families right along with their successes/defeats/growths/setbacks etc. but he doesn't fail one bit in the handling of the characters or their lives or their stories. Nowhere are you left wondering what happened to X character or Y character. What is even better is that he incorporates real life historical figures into the storyline with aplomb and it never feels artificial or contrived.
I loved the plot building and character building in this book. What I loved most was the fact that the two were intertwined with each other and supported each other really beautifully. The events led to the casual growth of the characters and the characters growth led to the events and the two did meet beautifully. Another aspect that I loved of this author in this book is his presentation of his characters. Each of them have shades that are unique and nowhere does the author force you to think of them as good or bad. In fact, he leaves all the judging to you and allows himself the freedom to develop them in a way that perhaps speaks to him whilst also speaking to us. I loved and hated and then loved all the characters through their journey, such was their impact on me. Nowhere did I continue to feel the same way for any character, except perhaps Billy and Grigori, both of whom I was rooting for throughout the book. The beauty of the characters created by Ken Follett is such that even when they are doing something wrong, they do it with such a style that you end up admiring them for that rather than hating them. One such character is Lev who I feel is the best and the worst character (one you love and hate and hate that you love) in this book.
A few discussions regarding the book in the past brought to my notice that some of the historical facts stated here in the book were either wrong or somewhat exaggerated. While it did bother me a little in the beginning, given the fact that the author has done more than 20 years of research and consulting experts in all fields before penning this book; I would like to say that it didn't take away from me the enjoyment given by this book while I read it. I think it was fun and while moving along with the characters in their lives, I was more caught up in their fictional tales rather than the historical aspect. This meant that I enjoyed it so much that I was reluctant to take away even a single star from my rating. However, if you are a history buff and are well versed in the World War scenarios, some of it might irritate you, I am not sure. In such cases, I guess you need to read it as a fictional tale set in that historical period and just let go of the historical accuracies or inaccuracies, if any. For myself, I am not well learned or read in the matters of that period, so I took everything that came my way as the truth or as much truth as it can be and enjoyed the story. If you are willing to enjoy a good tale, with some real and imagined characters, set in the backdrop of one of the world's most important times, please go ahead and read it. I assure you, you won't be disappointed.
Finishing the book last night, I felt akin to losing a part of myself and that to me is the best thing a book can do. I was so engrossed in it that I forgot everything else, except maybe periodically updating my progress here in GR. LOL!
Once I put it down after it ended, I wanted to rush and start the next book in the series and believe me I almost did that. However, sanity prevailed and I stopped myself...the reason being that I largely wanted to dwell and drift in the thoughts and feelings created by the first book in my mind. While I do that and also look forward to reading the next book, why don't you give this one a try? Rest assured that you will be entertained! :)
Happy reading! :)
Fall of Giants is an epic story based around 5 families starting at the prior to World War 1 and their journeys throughout the Great War. It is a captivating story that intertwines the families through an 800 page story. Considering this stories immense size it was a relatively easy read.
There is no one hero in this story with the main characters all having their time to shine. Some characters such as Lev were boring with his parts dragging. I can understand the inclusion of his parts so as to further his brothers Grigori’s journey. Lev’s story could have been a side note in other characters chapters. His marriage to Olga could have merely been as sentence long in the Gus chapter. It would have been just as impactful to see this through his eyes and his pain instead of seeing the behind scenes. I don’t care that Lev got the girl pregnant and then had to marry. Lev’s journey could have been explained to the reader when the brother reunited in Russia.
Speaking of Grigori, his journey was really interesting. Seeing him struggle to be an honourable man and look after his brother despite how often his brother fucked him over. The details of the Russian revolution was so interesting. The parts after the revolution seemed to drag. It was interesting at first to see that the revolution was not so simple. It’s not just a matter of removing the corrupt government and everything will be fine. The struggle for the revolution not to slip back into the old ways because it was easier was interesting. By the end of Grigori’s story I didn’t care about his wife. She was whiny and annoying and Grigori deserved so much better.
Billie is the best character in the book in my opinion. He grabbed my attention from the very first chapter and I was so invested in his story. Billie’s growth from a scared boy going into the mines for the very first time through to respected soldier who got his troop through some of the most horrific battles of the war to his decision to become a politician. Billie was never afraid to stand up for himself and call out those of higher social status then him. Some of the best scenes in the book was when Billie would call out Earl Fitzherbert for his bullshit. Billie’s story throughout the war really demonstrated British leader incompetency and why putting those with titles into military command was such a disaster.
Ethel and Billie’s story were both my favourite. Ethel showed her innate power and strength when she decided to negotiate with the Earl’s lawyer. She then grew to match each challenge that came her way. Her fight for women’s suffrage was inspiring but practical. She understood that the little wins and compromises were just as important for the bigger picture to become achievable.
Ethel’s story contrasted so interestingly with Lady Maud. Both had the same ideal and goals for the suffrage movement but disagreed on how to get there. Maud was stubborn and uncompromising with her goals and could not understand the importance of compromise and celebrating the little wins. Maud’s love story was intriguing. Falling in love with a German just before the out-break of the war was never going to be easy. Maud choosing to go to live in Germany was an interesting choice and it would have been so good to read a bit more about how she adjusted to becoming ‘poor’ and not having servants to cater for every day chores.
The less said about Earl Fitzherbert the better. He was a wanker. He had so many opportunities to change and become a better person and he just chose wrong every damn time. He clutched so tightly to past traditions that he just became stubborn and annoying. My favourite moment with the Earl was when he passed Ethel in the hallway and she refused to move aside. It was such a you go girl moment.
Overall I did really enjoy this book. I quite like Ken Folletts writing style. It is easy to read and the story was interesting. His characters are varied and interesting. I am unsure if I would want to read further in the series. I’m really not a series person especially when each book is like 800 pages long. The story wrapped up well. There was a satisfactory conclusion which to me does mean I don’t feel the need to read on further.
There is no one hero in this story with the main characters all having their time to shine. Some characters such as Lev were boring with his parts dragging. I can understand the inclusion of his parts so as to further his brothers Grigori’s journey. Lev’s story could have been a side note in other characters chapters. His marriage to Olga could have merely been as sentence long in the Gus chapter. It would have been just as impactful to see this through his eyes and his pain instead of seeing the behind scenes. I don’t care that Lev got the girl pregnant and then had to marry. Lev’s journey could have been explained to the reader when the brother reunited in Russia.
Speaking of Grigori, his journey was really interesting. Seeing him struggle to be an honourable man and look after his brother despite how often his brother fucked him over. The details of the Russian revolution was so interesting. The parts after the revolution seemed to drag. It was interesting at first to see that the revolution was not so simple. It’s not just a matter of removing the corrupt government and everything will be fine. The struggle for the revolution not to slip back into the old ways because it was easier was interesting. By the end of Grigori’s story I didn’t care about his wife. She was whiny and annoying and Grigori deserved so much better.
Billie is the best character in the book in my opinion. He grabbed my attention from the very first chapter and I was so invested in his story. Billie’s growth from a scared boy going into the mines for the very first time through to respected soldier who got his troop through some of the most horrific battles of the war to his decision to become a politician. Billie was never afraid to stand up for himself and call out those of higher social status then him. Some of the best scenes in the book was when Billie would call out Earl Fitzherbert for his bullshit. Billie’s story throughout the war really demonstrated British leader incompetency and why putting those with titles into military command was such a disaster.
Ethel and Billie’s story were both my favourite. Ethel showed her innate power and strength when she decided to negotiate with the Earl’s lawyer. She then grew to match each challenge that came her way. Her fight for women’s suffrage was inspiring but practical. She understood that the little wins and compromises were just as important for the bigger picture to become achievable.
Ethel’s story contrasted so interestingly with Lady Maud. Both had the same ideal and goals for the suffrage movement but disagreed on how to get there. Maud was stubborn and uncompromising with her goals and could not understand the importance of compromise and celebrating the little wins. Maud’s love story was intriguing. Falling in love with a German just before the out-break of the war was never going to be easy. Maud choosing to go to live in Germany was an interesting choice and it would have been so good to read a bit more about how she adjusted to becoming ‘poor’ and not having servants to cater for every day chores.
The less said about Earl Fitzherbert the better. He was a wanker. He had so many opportunities to change and become a better person and he just chose wrong every damn time. He clutched so tightly to past traditions that he just became stubborn and annoying. My favourite moment with the Earl was when he passed Ethel in the hallway and she refused to move aside. It was such a you go girl moment.
Overall I did really enjoy this book. I quite like Ken Folletts writing style. It is easy to read and the story was interesting. His characters are varied and interesting. I am unsure if I would want to read further in the series. I’m really not a series person especially when each book is like 800 pages long. The story wrapped up well. There was a satisfactory conclusion which to me does mean I don’t feel the need to read on further.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book reminded me of a bowl of vanilla ice cream: you know what it's going to taste like, but you eat it anyway, and you enjoy it. There were no surprises in Fall of Giants. If I had one criticism for Ken Follett, its that he's kind of heavy-handed on the foreshadowing. But it was still an enjoyable read. I had just read To End all Wars about WW1 by Adam Hochschild (an excellent book, by the way), and this dovetailed nicely, and brought some of the events to life a little more.
Another thing this book reminded me of is Downton Abbey. The time period is the same, as is the cast of characters, for the most part: an earl, a maid, an independent young woman of the aristocracy, et al. And like Downton Abbey, it is kind of a soap opera. Lots of characters, lots of drama. Fall of Giants expands it's scope beyond England, so we also get American and German points of view.
All in all, a fun read that I enjoyed getting back to each night.
Another thing this book reminded me of is Downton Abbey. The time period is the same, as is the cast of characters, for the most part: an earl, a maid, an independent young woman of the aristocracy, et al. And like Downton Abbey, it is kind of a soap opera. Lots of characters, lots of drama. Fall of Giants expands it's scope beyond England, so we also get American and German points of view.
All in all, a fun read that I enjoyed getting back to each night.
The book is long but the story and the lives of the characters is captivating. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I feel like I learned more about pre-WWI Europe reading this book than I did throughout my education.
Follett's writing style can be predictable, but he does have a gift of intertwining history and fiction into a quick, engaging read. Looking forward to reading the next book in the trilogy.
I just could never get into this. Such a disappointment, as I LOVED Pillars of the Earth and World Without End.
As a lover of historical fiction, I am embarrassed to admit that this is my first Ken Follett book. It's intimidating in size, but very hard to put down. I was pretty knowledgeable about WWI, but this novel really gave me a much better understanding of the nuances of the issues in Europe. There are a lot of characters and there is a helpful character index at the beginning. Fortunately, I never needed to refer to it because the characters were developed so well it was easy to keep track. I can't wait to read the next 2 novels in the trilogy.
Everything I love about historical fiction, including the plot, characters and backstory. To be honest though I was a little disappointed that none of the main characters died during WWI because it didn't as accurately represent the udder devastation the war on European society and families.
adventurous
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes