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marghe_97's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Murder, War, Violence, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Sexism, Xenophobia, and Antisemitism
siniandi's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Good work of historical fiction as one has come to expect from Follett. The storyline Is entertaining enough to get through the 1000+ pages and the story works well with the historical background. The storylines set in the three different countries are woven together skilfully. I was especially intrigued by the suffragette plot and the empowerment of Ethel. The reversal of the power dynamic with Ethel coming out on top was a high note to end the book.
Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder, and War
Moderate: Abandonment, Antisemitism, and Police brutality
Minor: Racism and Sexual assault
asourceoffiction's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-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
4.0
This is utterly epic in scale, and it could have been incredibly difficult to follow all the different strands of story that weaved through the grand backdrop of the First World War. But it's a testament to the strength of the characters Follett created that I was never bored. The book begins in 1911 and ends in 1924, following a number of families in different circumstances. From Russian workers to British and German aristocrats, Welsh miners and American diplomats, the history of The Great War is unfolded through their stories and it is absolutely fascinating.
So much of the political nuance (which has been carefully researched) I had no idea about, and it was really interesting to read something that encompassed so many facets of society that had an effect on the outcome of the war. There have been so many stories centred on trench warfare (and those chapters are brilliantly written here), but I knew so little about the political battles to end (and in some cases prolong) the war, the rise of the suffragettes in London and the Bolshevik revolution in Russia.
When separated from the huge story, the characters themselves were also really engaging. Grigori Peshkov is so idealistic and noble after a tragic childhood, while his irresponsible brother Lev fritters away his opportunities. Maud Fitzherbert and Ethel Williams are a lady and a maid respectively, and form an unlikely and wonderful alliance while fighting for women's rights. There are characters to love, and some I loved to hate. There are love stories between classes and warring nationalities, and there is still so much more of the 20th century to encounter. I can't wait to read the second installment.
Graphic: Murder, War, Child death, Gun violence, Pregnancy, Police brutality, Xenophobia, and Misogyny
Moderate: Rape, Religious bigotry, and Sexual content
motivationsloch's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
tense
slow-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
4.0
Graphic: War, Violence, Sexual content, Pregnancy, Murder, and Police brutality
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