Really loved this book. I love reading history, and never read Historical Fiction, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Enjoyed both the trip through the challenging and painful times around World War I, while at the same time getting depth on characters and their hopes, dreams, achievements and failures. Really went through the 900+ page novel in no time. Chapters 2 and 3 of this trilogy are on my bookshelf. Though Book 2 is currently on the bedside table, which I will start later tonight. Charming. Delightful. Gritty. The war scenes are depicted with much complexity which renders brilliance to the overall structure. The politics of Russia are dealt with in a finely nuanced manner. The language is kept simple, which might not be in consonance to the one used in the early 1900s but again, gives simplicity to the turmoil raging in peoples' hearts. I doubt if intelligence officers would have discussed secret plans with such boldness and fairness with their mistresses or wives. Follett wastes too much time on describing houses and dresses. Ethel, Walter and Grigori are the strongest characters. Lev and Gus are left out for long periods of time. An engrossing read. Go for it.
Do You like book La Caída De Los Gigantes (2010)?
I really enjoyed this book & look forward to reading the next one!
—anismaye