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)

Excellent - worth it

Looking forward to the next one. Loved "Pillars of the Earth" but was greatly disappointed by 'World Without End' after waiting 20 years for it. Took a chance on this and Ken Follet redeemed himself with a great story!

Can't wait for Book 2!

About a quarter of the way through and I love it so far! Already can't wait for book 2 due out in September.
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Half way done now, still loving it. I love "sagas" and I am learning a lot about WW1 also.

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Loved it! Sad to see it end. Can't wait to dig in to book 2!

You are there history lesson

With wonderful story-telling, you relive the early 20th century. Parts 2 & 3 of the trilogy are awaited with as much anticipation of parts 2 & 3 of "The Girl Who..." trilogy.

A lot of war information

I prefer more of the personal & emotional aspects of war. This book was very informative about WW1. I learned a lot. I'm going to buy the 2 nd book & hopefully it will be better.

Excellent historical narrative

Like so many of his works Follett nails the historical narrative. This time WWI. Reminds one of Winds of War

Narrator superb.

Very much looking forward to other works in the series

excellent all around!

interesting and exciting; a great listen. the performer did justice to the story. well done.

Have to read...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Without a doubt

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ethel, strong in the face of much adversity

Have you listened to any of John Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

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

No, just great history and extremely entertaining

Any additional comments?

After listening, I immediately purchased Winter of the World.

Please don't end!

Would you listen to Fall of Giants again? Why?

I would listen to Fall of Giants again because I don't want to miss a single word of this rich, historical listen. And I may have been distracted and missed a paragraph or two, so would listen again as if it were the first time and I know I would enjoy it just as much. The narrator is absolutely amazing and makes the characters come to life.

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

There were so many, actually breathtaking, moments throughout. I wondered if anyone riding alongside of me thought me mad with my very visible expressions!

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

He has the ability to bring each and every character to life with his wonderful diverse accents and tones.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wish I could have, but it is four parts. I did find myself driving out of the way several times to finish a particular listen.

Any additional comments?

I am a huge Follett fan and am so excited to finally have the anxiously awaited second part of his trilogy. He is so historically accurate; it's obvious he researches extensively. And, his books actually encourage me to research more of history.

Wonderful historical fiction with proven narrator!

If you enjoy stories following multiple characters told by a great narrator... This books for you.
Anything good is worth the investment, so stick with the book and feel the emotional, horrific, sad, stupefying, and ultimately triumphant time in humanity's struggle to become better.

One of the best books I've ever listened to

Would you listen to Fall of Giants again? Why?

I have gone through listening to it again with my wife so she can enjoy it.

Any additional comments?

Easily the best book/series I've found since going through the Game of Thrones series. I also find John Lee to be the highest quality of narrator. Couldn't recommend this higher.