Fall of Giants

Book One of the Century Trilogy

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 30 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Fall of Giants is Ken Follett's magnificent new historical epic. The first novel in The Century Trilogy, it follows the fates of five interrelated families—American, German, Russian, English, and Welsh—as they move through the world-shaking dramas of the First World War, the Russian Revolution, and the struggle for women's suffrage.

Thirteen-year-old Billy Williams enters a man's world in the Welsh mining pits…. Gus Dewar, an American law student rejected in love, finds a surprising new career in Woodrow Wilson's White House…. Two orphaned Russian brothers, Grigori and Lev Peshkov, embark on radically different paths half a world apart when their plan to emigrate to America falls afoul of war, conscription, and revolution…. Billy's sister, Ethel, a housekeeper for the aristocratic Fitzherberts, takes a fateful step above her station, while Lady Maud Fitzherbert herself crosses deep into forbidden territory when she falls in love with Walter von Ulrich, a spy at the German embassy in London….

These characters and many others find their lives inextricably entangled as, in a saga of unfolding drama and intriguing complexity, Fall of Giants moves seamlessly from Washington to St. Petersburg, from the dirt and danger of a coal mine to the glittering chandeliers of a palace, from the corridors of power to the bedrooms of the mighty. As always with Ken Follett, the historical background is brilliantly researched and rendered, the action fast-moving, the characters rich in nuance and emotion. It is destined to be a new classic.

In future volumes of The Century Trilogy, subsequent generations of the same families will travel through the great events of the rest of the 20th century, changing themselves—and the century itself. With passion and the hand of a master, Follett brings us into a world we thought we knew, but now will never seem the same again.

Exclusive interview: Ken Follett and John Lee Talk about Fall of Giants.

©2010 Kevin Follett (P)2010 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"A big Book, Follett''s hugely ambitious saga is a sweeping success. Ken Follett has hit another one out of the park with the initial installment of the hugely ambitious Century Trilogy. His fans will rejoice at the richness, complexity, historical sweep and simmering lust in a saga spanning the years 1911 to 1923." ( Newark Star Ledger)

"A dark novel, motivated by an unsparing view of human nature and a clear-eyed scrutiny of an ideal peace. It is not the least of Follett''s feats that the reader finishes this near 1000-page book intrigued and wanting more." ( Chicago Sun-Times)

"[Follett] meticulously reconstructs an era and leads us through the follies and occasional heroics of its protagonists real and imaginary. He is masterly in conveyers so much drama and historical information so vividly...Grippingly told, and readable to the end." ( New York Times Book Review)

Great book, horrible narration

I have read all of Ken Follett's books, including the other 2 in the trilogy (on paper), so I was excited to get to listen to this one. The story is well-written, but it sounds as if it is being broadcast on the news. When I first started listening, I thought the reader was purposefully sounding dramatic to introduce the story, but I soon found out that this is his actual reading voice. And I need to add that I have listened to many books where the reader was heavily criticized for fake accents, etc. and enjoyed them thoroughly. This is a different level altogether - no intonation, no emotion, just that broadcaster effect.

That said, Mr. Follett's writing never fails to please, it's just a little painful to listen to.

Very Good

I liked learning history this way! It is fascinating and entertaining! Very good story and character interactions.

Epic Book, New to Ken Follett and now a big fan.

This book started off a bit slow but over time I could see how intricate the character development would be. I can only describe this book as epic. An amazing story of life pre WW I and Post WW I. I loved the historic accuracy but not at the cost of the story. No doubt one of my all time favorite books. I look forward to the two other books in the series. This is without a doubt my favorite Audible title both in the writing and in the narration.

Great story with sharp historical relevance.

Follett, as always, is brilliant. The reader is believable and only adds to the story.

The sequel can't come soon enough!

Where does Fall of Giants rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Fall of Giants is one of my favorite historical fiction novels ever.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the various plots and characters that were so richly developed throughout the book. It really made me love and hate different characters along with the story line.

My first Audible Experience

This book was actually pretty amazing. I am not a fan of war stories and this book takes place during World War I and the Russian Revolution so I had my doubts. However, the author introduces you to several characters from different countries and does an excellent job introducing you to them and their families as well as getting you emotionally involved. There are several stories of romance, trials, joys, and historic backgrounds tied into this book. I actually listened to this book through Audible.com and the reader made this experience even better with his wonderful interpretations of the different accents the characters would have actually spoken with. This was a long story but never dull and kept me going and going until the very end. I loved how the ending took place even though it didn't tie up any loose ends, as this book is the first in a three part series. I can't wait until the next one comes out. Excellent book!

Wonderful!

This book is wonderfully written and expertly narrated. The story takes place about 100 years ago, and the very real characters were from all over the western civilized world. World War I causes their lives to intermingle often in the sweetest of ways. I was disappointed when it ended, but am now into Book 2 of the trilogy and it's just as good.

Really enjoyed everything about this.

What did you love best about Fall of Giants?

Well written historical fiction is such a great way way for me to get a feel for historical events. Ken Follet is a great writer. John Lee is a very good reader. Engaging, not overly dramatic, great accents, doesn't force voices. Really enjoyable.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Billy Williams. Good man.

Any additional comments?

John Lee is a great reader.

Fun listen, good story, and strong performance.

I liked this book and found it quite informative. The story is about WW1 from the perspective of German, Russian, and British aristocrats and commoners.

Mr Follett was born to write!!

If you could sum up Fall of Giants in three words, what would they be?

A very compelling work.

What did you like best about this story?

Impersonal history made compelling through true to life circumstances and characters!

Which scene was your favorite?

The opening chapter did it for me, I was suched into a new world!

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

No