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A review by danaelycia
Fall of Giants by Ken Follett
5.0
There is so many things I have to say about this book and my undying love for it.
1) If the second book doesn't come out this year like promised, I may go crazy. Just want to put that out there
2) The spectrum of characters is the most diverse yet. It's not just Follett simply following 5 characters but 5 families. And he doesn't let any slip under the radar either. You learn so much of each of them that they become so real. They are easily people who could have existed during the early 1900s. Each character is unique and addicting. You want to keep knowing more and more about them.
3) The blending of historical fact and fiction is unbelievable. Having spent many years reading and studying communist Russia, i was really impressed with how realistic Follett made Lenin and his interactions with his fictional characters. The way he describes Lenin's behaviour, attitude, and appearance is identical to the records of the time. Follett really brought his A-game to this book.
4) The settings are wide and fast. The locations are a blend between actual places and fictitious but those not familiar with the geography of Europe aren't going to know the difference. And that's what also propels this book into a different league. When an author can make you forget what's real and what isn't, that's a sign the book is worth every page of ink.
5) The story. This is the first in a trilogy (yay!). It spans pre and a bit of post WWI and follows character over the US, Britain, and Russia. I really enjoyed that the characters fit their place in history and geography. The weaving that he does between the families is perfection. Instead of starting the story with them all connected, he slowly builds on it and realistic situations based on the character's history, profession, or birthright. Though one or two "by-chance" happen, it doesn't detract from the story at all. Even those characters you dislike, you still love because they are real and they are multifaceted.
This book is an amazing start to what I know will be an amazing series. Now to just stay patient waiting for the second book!
1) If the second book doesn't come out this year like promised, I may go crazy. Just want to put that out there
2) The spectrum of characters is the most diverse yet. It's not just Follett simply following 5 characters but 5 families. And he doesn't let any slip under the radar either. You learn so much of each of them that they become so real. They are easily people who could have existed during the early 1900s. Each character is unique and addicting. You want to keep knowing more and more about them.
3) The blending of historical fact and fiction is unbelievable. Having spent many years reading and studying communist Russia, i was really impressed with how realistic Follett made Lenin and his interactions with his fictional characters. The way he describes Lenin's behaviour, attitude, and appearance is identical to the records of the time. Follett really brought his A-game to this book.
4) The settings are wide and fast. The locations are a blend between actual places and fictitious but those not familiar with the geography of Europe aren't going to know the difference. And that's what also propels this book into a different league. When an author can make you forget what's real and what isn't, that's a sign the book is worth every page of ink.
5) The story. This is the first in a trilogy (yay!). It spans pre and a bit of post WWI and follows character over the US, Britain, and Russia. I really enjoyed that the characters fit their place in history and geography. The weaving that he does between the families is perfection. Instead of starting the story with them all connected, he slowly builds on it and realistic situations based on the character's history, profession, or birthright. Though one or two "by-chance" happen, it doesn't detract from the story at all. Even those characters you dislike, you still love because they are real and they are multifaceted.
This book is an amazing start to what I know will be an amazing series. Now to just stay patient waiting for the second book!