Ken Follett

I finished ‘Winter of the World’. For those with little knowledge of World War Two, the events leading up to it and what happened afterwards, this is a great introduction – although his not a history of the War as such.

Follett ranges over a wide scene, from the USA to the Pacific, Germany, Britain and Russia. He is adept at interweaving and connecting his characters in both personal and political ways. I found the most gripping scenes were those where various members of the resistance in Germany struggle against the Nazi regime, at huge personal risk and cost. The intrigues around the development of the atom bomb were similarly fascinating.

Follett is at his best when he uses personal narratives to illustrate great social movements and events, such as the development of the Welfare State.

I’m looking forward to Part III of The Century which is not due until next year. I have no idea which period it will be set in – my guess it will deal with the fall of the Soviet Union, the end of the Cold War and the rise of terrorism.

Happy reading!

David.

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