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Fall of Giants The Century Trilogy Ken Follett Books

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Fall of Giants The Century Trilogy Ken Follett Books

I'm always amused when I encounter a novel whose review profile demonstrates an almost perfect "reverse bell curve". In my experience, this occurs in one of two circumstances; first, in non-fiction political works or biographies of divisive individuals; or second, in the case of massively commercially successful works from such writers as Dan Brown, John Grisham and Stephen King. Apparently some feel it necessary to demonstrate their literary chops by dismissing anything of commercial value. A cursory review of Fall of Giants one star reviews indicates that a third circumstance has arisen: Dissatisfaction with Amazon's Kindle pricing policy. Nevertheless, there are numerous one star designations ostensibly based upon the contents of this novel and that puzzles me.

Now, far be it for me to question anyone's opinion on a purely subjective item, but I've read some perfectly awful books; awful for any number of reasons. This book may be formulaic and it may feature numerous stereotypes. It may lack in character development and it might skew history in some events. Nevertheless, much as Pillars of the Earth and World Without End (which I found to be essentially the same novel), I found this book to be relatively entertaining, and even in some cases educational.

On the subject of stereotypes, I'm reminded that in most cases, stereotypes develop for a reason. I read a review that complained because Germans were portrayed as efficient and orderly. Duh... ever been to Germany? That many Russians are heavy drinkers and inclined to petty crime (you don't say!). That the French are "weepy, useless fools" and the women are whores (I won't comment on that). It might be politically incorrect to point out, but many nationalities and ethnic subgroups share traits that over time become identifying characteristics. Introducing an American character who is a hard working, enterprising entrepreneur is hardly grounds for condemning a novel.

All of that having been said, is this a literary tour de force? Certainly not. Is it an entertaining bit of historical fiction? I found it so. Not up to the standards of Michener or Edward Rutherfurd, but not a one or two star effort by any means. Anyone that thinks so has certainly either been very fortunate in their reading selections or led a very sheltered literary life.

My biggest criticism of this book would probably be the numerous sexual encounters vividly described therein; not because I'm a prude, or dislike erotic reading, but because they are so sophomoric and silly. Many have no purpose other than to simply introduce sex into the storyline. Had they been well written, believable and perhaps more integral to the story, they might have been enjoyable. As they are, they simply cause one to roll one's eyes in amusement.

A second irritating feature of the novel is the ridiculous coincidences that occur at several points in the story. There are billions of people in the world, yet the same people have a remarkable way of traveling throughout the world and mysteriously running into each other, despite having no reason to do so. As with the gratuitous sex, it doesn't destroy the novel, but detracts from it nevertheless.

On the plus side, the historical backdrop is one not commonly found, World War I, the Russian Revolution and the years leading to those monumental events, from the British, Russian, German and American perspectives (after all, who really cares about the French?). Despite being a big fan of historical fiction and non-fiction history, I can honestly say that this novel taught me quite a few things of which I was not aware. That, and the fact that I found it moderately entertaining, easily overcame the minor drawbacks cited above.


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Fall of Giants The Century Trilogy Ken Follett Books Reviews

Having read some of Follett's other books (the Kingsbridge series, Eye of the Needle, etc.), I began The Century Trilogy series. What began as a fascinating read in books one and two, turned in to complete disappointment in book three. My mother's forefathers were coalminers in Wales, prior to immigrating to America, so I was captivated by characters who may have lived very similar lives to those who came before me. Given that I was not yet born during the early twentieth century, I took for granted the accuracy of quite a bit of Ken Follett's world view while I was reading his books. I knew there were atrocities committed against the working class in the UK and America during the early periods of the books, so I assumed much of his research to be correct. I have always been very open to the idea that different political parties owed their necessity to the time and place in which they were needed.

Unfortunately by the time I had read most of the third book, I realized Follett was an extremist in his socialist, political beliefs, especially with regard to American politics. I am an Independent, and I hate reading anything so far left and so far right, when it provides no basis for reality. I would rather see both the warts and the dimples, rather than be told a fairy tale of half-truths. His viewpoint is very singular in his condemnation for all things Republican, and nothing but praise for all Democrats; even to the extent that he gives Pope John Paul II's great success in Poland to President Carter...utterly ridiculous. Follett praises by intimating Carter's dealings with the communists was "cautious", yet Reagan was supposed to take on the Kremlin during the Solidarity movement perfectly exhibits the bias in his writing.

As I was reading the book, I reflected that all of the Follett books I had ever read, prior to the Century Trilogy were period pieces from a time I had not lived; however, "Edge of Eternity" covered a place in time I know very well. His revisionism of more modern times has left me bereft of any pleasure for reading the first two books. If I can't trust his completely biased viewpoint of modern history, than how can I trust any of his research. Unless you want to read a socialist manifesto, concealed in the vein of storytelling, I would strongly recommend you not purchase any of the books in this series. As for me, I will not be buying another Follett book. It really is sad, because I would have loved to find an author who would have me explore my Welsh heritage.
Ken Follet is a phenomenal writer and he has an extraordinary gift for drawing readers into his craft with attention to historical detail. I’ve honestly been an avid reader of his many series for 2 decades. However, he loves to push the edge with everything sexual which I do not think is necessary for the deep character development of his stories. His style of writing is already so engrossing that I find the imagery of his overtly descriptive “love scenes” to be honestly pornographic. Mr. Follett, you evidentially like imagining how to stir your readers in this way and i am not impressed. Begging you for more story and less perversion. You are an amazing craftsman of the written word and I’d be thrilled to see you focus on your areas of expertise.
I'm always amused when I encounter a novel whose review profile demonstrates an almost perfect "reverse bell curve". In my experience, this occurs in one of two circumstances; first, in non-fiction political works or biographies of divisive individuals; or second, in the case of massively commercially successful works from such writers as Dan Brown, John Grisham and Stephen King. Apparently some feel it necessary to demonstrate their literary chops by dismissing anything of commercial value. A cursory review of Fall of Giants one star reviews indicates that a third circumstance has arisen Dissatisfaction with 's pricing policy. Nevertheless, there are numerous one star designations ostensibly based upon the contents of this novel and that puzzles me.

Now, far be it for me to question anyone's opinion on a purely subjective item, but I've read some perfectly awful books; awful for any number of reasons. This book may be formulaic and it may feature numerous stereotypes. It may lack in character development and it might skew history in some events. Nevertheless, much as Pillars of the Earth and World Without End (which I found to be essentially the same novel), I found this book to be relatively entertaining, and even in some cases educational.

On the subject of stereotypes, I'm reminded that in most cases, stereotypes develop for a reason. I read a review that complained because Germans were portrayed as efficient and orderly. Duh... ever been to Germany? That many Russians are heavy drinkers and inclined to petty crime (you don't say!). That the French are "weepy, useless fools" and the women are whores (I won't comment on that). It might be politically incorrect to point out, but many nationalities and ethnic subgroups share traits that over time become identifying characteristics. Introducing an American character who is a hard working, enterprising entrepreneur is hardly grounds for condemning a novel.

All of that having been said, is this a literary tour de force? Certainly not. Is it an entertaining bit of historical fiction? I found it so. Not up to the standards of Michener or Edward Rutherfurd, but not a one or two star effort by any means. Anyone that thinks so has certainly either been very fortunate in their reading selections or led a very sheltered literary life.

My biggest criticism of this book would probably be the numerous sexual encounters vividly described therein; not because I'm a prude, or dislike erotic reading, but because they are so sophomoric and silly. Many have no purpose other than to simply introduce sex into the storyline. Had they been well written, believable and perhaps more integral to the story, they might have been enjoyable. As they are, they simply cause one to roll one's eyes in amusement.

A second irritating feature of the novel is the ridiculous coincidences that occur at several points in the story. There are billions of people in the world, yet the same people have a remarkable way of traveling throughout the world and mysteriously running into each other, despite having no reason to do so. As with the gratuitous sex, it doesn't destroy the novel, but detracts from it nevertheless.

On the plus side, the historical backdrop is one not commonly found, World War I, the Russian Revolution and the years leading to those monumental events, from the British, Russian, German and American perspectives (after all, who really cares about the French?). Despite being a big fan of historical fiction and non-fiction history, I can honestly say that this novel taught me quite a few things of which I was not aware. That, and the fact that I found it moderately entertaining, easily overcame the minor drawbacks cited above.