So far this year I have read many books, both fiction and nonfiction. The books range from George Washington and the American Revolution to Marine units in Vietnam. I have enjoyed them all and will add more books to my collection before the year is over.
One of the more enjoyable books I've read this year is "World Without End" by Ken Follet, which could be considered a sequel to his earlier masterpiece "Pillars of the Earth". The new book is set approximately 200 years in the future and is still set in the town and priory of Kingsbridge. The story centers around the lives of four children, Merthin, Gwenda, Ralph and Caris and how one event early in their youth events profoundly shapes their lives and that of the town for many years to come.
One of the elements that I have always enjoyed when reading Ken Follet's books are the rich character developments and how well he describes the people, events and their surroundings. Compared to other books and authors, I find it very easy to picture the people and their surroundings. This is not something that happens with most fiction books.
In the book, the characters of Merthin and Caris are the best developed and as such, they are prominently featured throughout the book. Initially, the character of Gwenda was interesting and I enjoyed reading the portions of the book devoted to her, but as I read deeper into the book, I had the feeling that her development was secondary and I began to lose interest in her. The story of Ralph was well done, but his rise to the Earl of Shiring seemed a bit far fetched at first, but after thinking about the events leading up him gaining the title of Earl, it makes a lot more sense to me now.
Throughout the story, the book takes us from Kingsbridge, to the Earldom of Shiring, London and the Kings court, Florence Italy and to the opening stages of the 100 years war in France and back to Kingsbridge. During this time we see the four children grow into successful adults and see the rise and fall of several prominent characters through accidents, scheming plans, betrayals and ultimately, the Black Plague.
All in all, this is an excellent book and although it could be considered a sequel to 'Pillars of the Earth', it is not necessary to read the first book. However, I do recommend reading the earlier book as it is an excellent read and some of the people in 'Pillars' are referenced in the book.
If you have been a fan of Follet's more contemporary spy and espionage novels and are hesitant about reading a historical novel set in the early and middle parts of the 14th century, don't be alarmed. This book delivers an excellent story and will have you turning page after page just to see what will happen next. Go and read it now!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
One of the more enjoyable books I've read this year is "World Without End" by Ken Follet, which could be considered a sequel to his earlier masterpiece "Pillars of the Earth". The new book is set approximately 200 years in the future and is still set in the town and priory of Kingsbridge. The story centers around the lives of four children, Merthin, Gwenda, Ralph and Caris and how one event early in their youth events profoundly shapes their lives and that of the town for many years to come.
One of the elements that I have always enjoyed when reading Ken Follet's books are the rich character developments and how well he describes the people, events and their surroundings. Compared to other books and authors, I find it very easy to picture the people and their surroundings. This is not something that happens with most fiction books.
In the book, the characters of Merthin and Caris are the best developed and as such, they are prominently featured throughout the book. Initially, the character of Gwenda was interesting and I enjoyed reading the portions of the book devoted to her, but as I read deeper into the book, I had the feeling that her development was secondary and I began to lose interest in her. The story of Ralph was well done, but his rise to the Earl of Shiring seemed a bit far fetched at first, but after thinking about the events leading up him gaining the title of Earl, it makes a lot more sense to me now.
Throughout the story, the book takes us from Kingsbridge, to the Earldom of Shiring, London and the Kings court, Florence Italy and to the opening stages of the 100 years war in France and back to Kingsbridge. During this time we see the four children grow into successful adults and see the rise and fall of several prominent characters through accidents, scheming plans, betrayals and ultimately, the Black Plague.
All in all, this is an excellent book and although it could be considered a sequel to 'Pillars of the Earth', it is not necessary to read the first book. However, I do recommend reading the earlier book as it is an excellent read and some of the people in 'Pillars' are referenced in the book.
If you have been a fan of Follet's more contemporary spy and espionage novels and are hesitant about reading a historical novel set in the early and middle parts of the 14th century, don't be alarmed. This book delivers an excellent story and will have you turning page after page just to see what will happen next. Go and read it now!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
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