Recommended: Fall of Giants

I love reading. A lot. Over the past few years, I've discovered a deep love for historical dramas. Following lovable characters through long periods of time, preferably through a few books, is my absolute favourite. I love accumulating series of books, lining them on my shelf side-by-side. I've also learned quite a bit of history from some stellar authors.

For one, I've talked about the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon before (clearly I was pressed for time because I could go on & on about these books). This series holds a special place in my heart (every so often something reminds me of the books & I get this sad, longing feeling, like missing a long-lost friend...).

Ken Follett was added to my list of go-to authors when I read Pillars of the Earth over a year or two ago. This amazing saga was quickly followed by World Without End. These two books really sealed the deal for me. I love history painted in clear & accurate detail by thoughtful & captivating characters! When I first heard about Fall of Giants, which is the first book in the Century trilogy, I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy.

It did not disappoint. It covers WWI, the Russian revolution & parts of women's suffrage. The characters & their decisions & emotions are believable... during WWI they had me rooting for both sides! I was appalled at the way the war ended & at how the nobility & governments treated the common folk. I was shocked to find out about the role of the British in the Russian revolution. I actually learned a lot - I think the way the material is presented, in an interesting chronicle with perspectives from all sides, helps to convey the material so that it is better remembered than anything in a classroom textbook.

I highly recommend this book - don't be intimidated by its heft. It is well worth the read & so engrossing you won't even notice the pages flying by. I am so looking forward to the next two books!

Read something good lately? Let me know about it - I'm always looking for new genres & authors to fill my library!