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)

Absolutely Wonderful

What did you love best about Fall of Giants?

I loved learning about why the U.S. got involved in WW1. Follett is amazing as a historian.

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

He brings the characters to life.

Any additional comments?

I can't wait to read the second book in the series.

Thoroughly enjoyable

I have read a number of WWI non-fictions, and had always been interested in early twentieth century history, but this was my first time reading historical fictional and I didn't know what to expect.
Although it was a little slow in the beginning, the characters grew on me fast, and the audio book just got harder and harder to put down. I agree with some other reviewers that parts of the story line seemed a stretch, but I wasn't too bothered by them.
I can't wait to start on Winter of the World.

History brought to life...

This book brought history to life. The author takes care to accurately portray historical characters and events, yet it's not a boring history book. Characters are full of life and you quickly come to love (and maybe dislike) them all.

The narrator gives a new meaning to a five star rating. Different accents for the different characters from different countries.

Excellent book, can't wait to listen to the second one.

Detailed, enjoyable history and a great story.

Truly drawn into the lives and times of the day. Great points of view from the different families. Always left wondering, between listens, what was coming next and how the families are connected, or not connected.

Fantastic story and performance

John Lee's narration is amazing. He captures the spirit of each character so well and his ability to switch between accents and characters is impressive. The story is complex but is easy to follow. The characters intertwine seamlessly. For those interested in history Follett's historical account of this time period can help the reader better understand what it was really like back then for people of different social classes and countries before, during and after WWI. I highly recommend this book.

Compelling story and performance!

Marvelous story that comports, little as remember from recounting by my Uncle Julius' wartime experiences in WW1. It brings to life the massive change that took place during the period! Completely compelling in it's sweep and character development! Thanks also to John Lee for his unsurpassed performance!!

Best narration

Wonderful story telling, great characters, I laughed out loud and gasped surprisingly when moments called for it. I listened to this in the car during morning commutes. I absolutely loved it. The narration was incredible

Enlightening and thrilling

Well done! Am anxious to read the next in the series. I follow all books by Ken Follet. Reader John Lee makes you feel like you are there in person!

Very entertaining and informative

What made the experience of listening to Fall of Giants the most enjoyable?

I really enjoyed the telling of history in such an entertaining and engaging way.

What other book might you compare Fall of Giants to and why?

If you liked World without end or Pillars of the Earth you will like this.

all around good

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

Narrator added additional personality to the characters and story.

Any additional comments?

Nice job by the narrator. Inflection and timing were well executed.