Fall of Giants by Ken Follet

*** My Review ***

Ken Follet’s epic historical novel, “Fall of Giants”, is a masterpiece that takes readers on a journey through one of the most tumultuous periods in human history. Set against the backdrop of World War I and its aftermath, this sprawling saga brings to life the struggles and triumphs of a diverse cast of characters from around the world.

“Fall of Giants” tells the story of five families from different countries and social classes whose lives become intertwined as they navigate the events leading up to and during World War I.

The first family introduced is the Welsh Williams family, who are struggling to make ends meet as coal miners. The eldest son, Billy, becomes involved in the labor movement and falls in love with a wealthy young woman named Ethel, who is sympathetic to the plight of the working class.

In Russia, the aristocratic Peskov family is facing their own struggles as the Russian Revolution begins to take hold. The youngest member of the family, Grigori, becomes involved with the Bolsheviks and finds himself torn between his loyalty to his family and his belief in the revolutionary cause.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the American Fitzherbert family is dealing with issues of their own. Maud Fitzherbert, a wealthy young woman, becomes involved with the suffrage movement and falls in love with a German diplomat named Walter von Ulrich, even as tensions between Germany and the rest of Europe begin to escalate.

In Germany, Walter’s family is grappling with their own political and social issues. Walter’s brother, an army officer, is tasked with preparing for war, while Walter himself becomes disillusioned with the German government’s aggressive stance.

Finally, in England, the aristocratic Fitzherbert family is dealing with the aftermath of the Titanic sinking and the impending war. Earl Fitzherbert, a member of the House of Lords, is faced with the difficult decision of whether to support his country in the war effort or risk his political career by opposing it.

As the war begins and the lives of the characters become increasingly intertwined, they are forced to make difficult choices and face the consequences of their actions. The novel covers a span of several years, following the characters as they navigate the political and social upheaval of the early 20th century.

The novel is divided into five parts, each representing a different stage of the war and its aftermath. The story begins in 1911, as Europe teeters on the brink of conflict, and follows the lives of a cast of characters from different social classes, nationalities, and backgrounds. From an English aristocrat to a Russian peasant, a Welsh miner to a German spy, the characters are richly drawn and memorable, with their stories intertwining in unexpected ways as the war progresses.

What sets Fall of Giants apart from other historical novels is its attention to detail and the depth of research that went into its creation. Follett takes us into the trenches of the Western Front, the corridors of power in London and Berlin, and the factories and mines that fueled the war effort. His descriptions of the brutality of the war and its impact on ordinary people are both harrowing and moving, while his depictions of the political maneuvering that shaped the post-war world are fascinating and illuminating.

At the heart of the novel is the theme of social justice, as the characters struggle against the injustices of their time and fight for a better future for themselves and their children. From the suffragette movement to the Bolshevik revolution, from the struggles of Irish nationalists to the rise of American power, Follett weaves together a tapestry of social and political upheaval that is both sweeping in scope and deeply personal.

The writing is clear and concise, with Follett’s trademark attention to detail and ability to create a vivid sense of time and place. The novel is a true page-turner, with a gripping plot that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. Despite its length and complexity, the novel never feels bloated or tedious, with each chapter contributing to the larger narrative arc in a meaningful way.

Another aspect that makes “Fall of Giants” so engaging is how the author masterfully weaves together historical events with fictional characters. The reader is taken on a journey through the early 20th century, experiencing pivotal moments such as the sinking of the Titanic, the outbreak of World War I, and the Russian Revolution through the eyes of the characters.

Follett also manages to create a diverse cast of characters, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations. From the Russian aristocrat Grigori to the Welsh coal miner Billy Williams, the characters come from different backgrounds and social classes, allowing the reader to see the various perspectives and struggles of people during this tumultuous time in history.

Another standout aspect of the novel is the attention to detail in describing the setting and historical context. Follett’s extensive research is evident in his descriptions of life in the early 20th century, from the clothing people wore to the politics and social issues of the time. This attention to detail adds depth and richness to the story, making it feel immersive and authentic.

One criticism of the novel may be its length. At over 900 pages, “Fall of Giants” is not a quick read. However, the length allows for a more thorough exploration of the characters and historical events, and the pacing keeps the story moving forward at a steady pace.

Overall, “Fall of Giants” is an epic and engrossing novel that successfully blends history and fiction. With its richly developed characters, attention to detail, and sweeping scope, it is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those interested in the events that shaped the early 20th century.

It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the 20th century, and a testament to the power of fiction to bring the past to life in a way that is both engaging and informative. Follett has once again proven himself to be a master storyteller, and this novel is sure to stand the test of time as a classic of the genre.