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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
I avoided this book for a long time, simply because of its size. It's not like I haven't read 1,000 page books before. I just kept putting it off. How stupid of me. It turns out that this book is right up my alley! Some of it was a little too drawn out and melodramatic, but overall I really grew to care about the characters. I enjoyed reading about the Russian Revolution from a worker's point of view, too. I'm really looking forward to the next in the series!
This book follows families from 4 countries in the years prior to and during WWI. I was reading several sections about Russia as the Russians were invading Ukraine and it was terribly disturbing to click from news to the novel and have trouble telling them apart.
The book was very interesting for its descriptions of everyday life with major geopolitical events in the background (and often in the foreground).
The book was very interesting for its descriptions of everyday life with major geopolitical events in the background (and often in the foreground).
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a big, fat book. But it reads quickly. The story is good and engrossing. And I think April said she understands the reasons behind WWI much better after reading this book. If she did, then ditto.
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
fast-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
informative
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
Good story - intricate and full of historical detail.
Better than average but not on a level with Pillars of the Earth. Interesting on a historic level but at times the relationships had the flavor of a soap opera or romance novel. That said I do want to read the next in the trilogy, just find out what happens to all the assorted characters.
informative
slow-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:
Yes
I do love a saga, especially one with such disparate characters and desperate circumstances. A bonus is the opportunity to increase my knowledge and understanding of world history. Books like Follett's are excellent arguments for my opinion that history classes should be taught through fiction and television miniseries.
I loved The Pillars of the Earth and suspected I'd love this, Fall of Giants. I was right. Take a chance on a huge, historical trilogy. You'll be smarter for it and likely love it, too.
I loved The Pillars of the Earth and suspected I'd love this, Fall of Giants. I was right. Take a chance on a huge, historical trilogy. You'll be smarter for it and likely love it, too.