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)

A modern day classic

I don't usually do reviews, but I so truly appreciate Fall of Giants that I was compel to do so.

Loved it

Would you consider the audio edition of Fall of Giants to be better than the print version?

I didn't read the printed version, but I loved John Lee. He was exceptional. He was able to get all the voices and accents down. Loved it.

What did you like best about this story?

The relationship between the characters. I also enjoyed hearing all the different reasoning why each country was fighting, why they got into the war and the politics.

What does John Lee bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The accents, he made the people really come alive.

Any additional comments?

Great story and you get to learn a little something about WWl.

Historical fiction at its finest.

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

One of the best audio books I've listened to. The narrator has incredible voice for every character with their corresponding accents. Very entertaining.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fall of Giants?

Many memorable moments as you learn from an engaging story the many events that contributed to WW1.

What does John Lee bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The accents of the different countrymen came alive with John Lee's narrative; something that would not happen if I were reading it.

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

Some very profound moments during mine disasters and war scenes. Touching and graphic.

Any additional comments?

Ken Follet does not disappoint in this exciting novel.

Fall of Giants

Wonderful storytelling. Completely engaging. A beautiful intertwining of history and family stories. Brought the time period to life. I can't wait for the next book in the trilogy.

Another great story by Ken Follett

This was as good as the Pillars of the Earth and World Without End. The characters and story are developed very well. I will get Book Two as soon as it is available.

An excellent and entertaining WW1 Primer

When I first started listening to this book I the voice of the narrator bothered me because it was kind of flat. But as the book progressed, it was so interesting and I was learning so much, I didn't notice the voice any longer. I am ashamed to admit that my knowledge of WW1 and the events that caused it was very limited, but Follett weaves the facts into the story so well, I ended up learning a lot. I even found myself looking up facts to see if they were fiction or not! My family is of German descent and I remember my Great grandmother being hesitant to speak German and now I know why. I look forward to the second installment and to learning more!

Great Way to Learn History

The intertwining of multiple characters is outstanding. John Lee's narration is spot on. When learning history, it's rarely personal - this is engulfed.

WWI long listen

If you enjoy history and have studied WWI history at all you should enjoy this fiction drama. The main character story lines are fiction but reference real events, people and era politics. Well done and a long listen which is a deal breaker for me.

Incredible!

If you're a historical fiction fan, you will LOVE this book. I couldn't stop listening!

Excellent

The history was presented in such a great way with such well-developed characters. I love historical fiction, and this book is one of the best I've come across. The narrator was flawless, which, of course, has such a huge affect on the quality of audio books. This one's a win all around.