Disapointing

I really wanted to like this book. I have been a keen student of 20th century history since high school, 40 years ago.

Alas I found myself unable to really engage with the characters, finding them rather cardboard cutout. I could not help feeling that each was created purely to act as a vehicle to show key historical moments and most of the conversations they had, tended to give us lengthy history lessons. The fact that they seemed to somehow turn up at key points of world events of the time, I found clunky.
The book is redeemed to an extent by some great descriptions, the delivery of casulty telegrams being one good scene.
Overall, while i have no argument with the accuracy of the events portrayed, I feel that Mr Follet may have been better to have reduced the scope of the epic and used history as a background to the characters lives rather than awkwardly dropping them into each significant event. Not a book I could immerse myself in, rather, I skipped along the top, unable to find a way in

15 people found this helpful

Powerful work; exceptional & gripping adventure.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This audiobook is worth every cent and every second. I would very happily recommend this book to family and friends.A masterful piece.

What other book might you compare Fall of Giants to and why?

Ken Follett is an outstanding author. Yet, I find it very hard to compare one skilled writer's work with other skilled writer's work, even of the same genre, as their styles often differ quite dramatically... and so attempting to compare their work is a bit like debating which is the best type of friut.I can, however, state that there is no better wordsmith for his standard and style of work. The way he keeps your attention from start to finish, never under nor overstating life and it's bare,sometimes brutual, sometimes sensual, but always honest realities. He just weaves you into the lives of his characters and never lets you breath until he's finished.

Have you listened to any of John Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not heard John Lee's performance before, but his reading style is personable and clever. His interpretation of humour is simple and real, and his ability to hold your utter attention in dramatic moments is highly skilled. Brilliant performance... and I will be pleased to listen to any of his other readings.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I certainly laughed at times. And, I was certainly provoked to deep consideration of incidents and experiences, astonishment for the intricate manipulations of the war machine of the early 20th century, disgust for the polarised standards of rights and responsibilities, and I was prompted to empathy,sadness and even tears for the distainful attitude of negligence for life.

Any additional comments?

Brilliant work. Exceptional story. Plot and networking to real events was outstanding. An utter pleasure that I was sad to finish. A clever, highly skilled work that will stay with listener for some time... Superb!!

7 people found this helpful

A bit overambitious1

This is an enormous book. It tells the story of 5 different families in the years from 1910 to 1924. The research involved must have been immense and the book is almost successful. Perhaps this should be two books because I felt that the different stories all lost dynamism in cutting from one to the other. Nonetheless this is what might be called a 'jolly good read'.

I felt that the writing about the fighting on the Somme, the leading up to it and the reasons for it's dreadful body count were among the best I have read.

The audible version was rather spoilt for me by the reader who attempted numerous accents with varying degrees of success. I also cannot see why a German or Russian needs to speak with a strong German or Russian accent if he is speaking in his native tongue.

4 people found this helpful

A story to get totally lost in!

Would you listen to Fall of Giants again? Why?

Yes absolutely!! Fall of Giants is compulsive listening. I got so involved in the characters lives, loves and losses. A great insight to the different classes of the time and how war impacts on them. Love Ken Follett books - this is the third novel I've listened to.

Have you listened to any of John Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I love this narrator! I so enjoy listening to him, he has wonderful tone and a beautiful accent and he reads at the right pace - not too slow, not too fast, and I was able to absorb the story fully. He can switch accents several times in one sentence - amazing, and brings the characters to life! I actually look for books that are read by John Lee now.

3 people found this helpful

Compelling

This was a book really worth listening to. Not only was this due to Follett's strong narrative skills but because it was read by John Lee: he read with calm objectivity which linked his outstanding management of the many voices and the accents ??? wonderful acting.

This is an interpretation of the major events of one hundred years ago ??? the causes and the conduct of the first world war, rise of the Bolsheviks, the Versailles treaty and unionism, amongst many compelling themes. Follett demonstrates the human tragedy, the waste and pointlessness of war, the foibles and careless decisions of many of the leaders, both military and industrial (leaders coming from the so called ruling classes), the fights for women's rights. He clearly shows where he feels the seeds for future wars were laid.

And all this is very human as he interlaces stories of the personal lives of interesting characters.

So, one hundred years later, what have we achieved from the hell of the battle of the Somme? It was not easy to watch the news and ask whether the modern decisions of giants, the desperate current revolutions are just mirror images of the limits to humanity that Follett presents.

2 people found this helpful

Educational

In these days, or any days, it’s healthy with a bit of a glimpse into history. It seems to be repeating itself.

1 person found this helpful

History and fiction in an interesting mix

I really enjoyed this. A perfect blend of fiction intertwined with historical figures and events makes this a very entertaining introduction to 20th century history. Good, strong characters and very well narrated.

1 person found this helpful

Outstanding

John Lee is an incredibly talented narrator. A masterpiece created by Ken Follett. Together they make history come alive. Thank you both so very much.

1 person found this helpful

The most remarkable book I have read post COVID-19

I picked this up from my wish list because I wanted a lengthy book to win a walking challenge but it was gone too soon.
The references to historical figures juxtaposed with well thought out fictional characters was marvelous. My best and saddest moment was the post office boy handing out notices to the families of deceased soldiers in Aberowen, I cried remembering my late sister and the grief of wartime families.
Onto the next book in the trilogy I march!

Fanominal!

Ken has done this story of history services & more. Captivating, educating.. a sincere memoir of a time which has shaped our world to this day.