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 story, wonderful narration

I was engrossed from beginning to end and couldn't stop listening!!! I finished at 4am, so don't make it s nighttime read.

A Pinnacle Historical Experience

I was mesmerised by the immersion in this historical period. I feel like I got a true lesson in world history, so much so that current events feel eerily familiar. Brilliant work.

Outstanding historic fiction!

Outstanding book read by an excellent narrator. His changes into multiple accents was seamless and added to the richness of the story. Characters were fascinating and believable. I can't wait to listen to the next book.

Historical Fiction

A lot of unknown history for me which required a lot of rereading. But if you know your WW1 history it's an easy and enjoyable read. Great overall!

very good

great story with an accurate if slightly slanted historical truth throughout. easy to listen to hard to put down. Looking forward to more from this author!

Human behaviour in war and peace

First of all - John Lee is simply fantastic and brings that something extra to the story, brings it literally to life. The plot rolles around WW1 before, during and after and forms a structure for it's characters. The stage is therefore familiar, at least for history lovers and all what Ken Follett has to do is to place his main characters within each superpower and create a dramatic love/hate/life/death story. A bit like Herman Wouk´s Winds of war with more details, including sex.

Generations of families & a history lesson

I am in book two of this trilogy and I am loving it. The storyline stays with families throughout the generations in the "Giant" countries while walking through history. The details from the author on places and events notable and not so notable is what makes this trilogy so enjoyable.

Jolly Good listen.

I couldn't help but visualizesome characters from Downton Abbey. Greatly enjoyed the story and the character evolution.

Exceptional!

I am a lover of historical fiction and have read Ken Follett before. I loved Pillars of the Earth and did not know if another book could match the rich complexity. Now I know. Fall of Giants was captivating, educational and allowed me to fully enter a world I had not known much about. The complex characters each had a unique perspective on their experiences surrounding this time period.

John Lee, the narrator, was absolutely magnificent! He truly made this story come alive. I am astounded how he effortlessly switched his accent and morphed his voice to represent each character individually. This was my first audiobook with Mr. Lee as narrator but it most certainly will not be the last!

Interesting walk through history

This book walks the reader through events of WWI with valuable perspectives from characters of different backgrounds.