Sarum

The Novel of England

In Sarum, Edward Rutherfurd weaves a compelling saga of five English families whose fates become intertwined over the course of centuries. While each family has its own distinct characteristics, the successive generations reflect the changing character of Britain. We become drawn not only into the fortunes of the individual family members, but also the larger destinies of each family line.

Meticulously researched and epic in scope, Sarum covers the entire sweep of English civilization: from the early hunters and farmers, the creation of Stonehenge, the dawn of Christianity, and the Black Death; through the Reformation, the wars in America, the Industrial Age, and the Victorian social reforms; up through the World War II invasion of Normandy and the modern-day concerns of a once-preeminent empire.

©1987 Edward Rutherfurd (P)1994 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Nadia May is ideal; her British accents fit the locale, and her pacing and characterizations are smooth, unobtrusive and compelling. The ease of her reading leads the listener to forget she is there, the sign of the perfect narrator.” ( AudioFile)

Wonderful

A wonderful combination of history and fiction writing. I throughly enjoyed every moment.
The author, Edward Rutherfurd did an outstanding job with the enormous volume of British history while combining characters that captured each time period to flesh out and make human the occurrences in the timeline. As the author explained, there are historical changes made for the story's sake, so this is a novel that gives you the essence of the times and happenings and not a dry exact historical reference. Read, listen and enjoy the ride for pleasure. Wanda McCaddon is one of my favourite narrators, so thank you!

Great Book for an Historical Angliphile

Very interesting look at Salsbury a specific place in England from pre- history thru the mid 1900s. Written and performed, pleasantly during a journey thru time.

Love Rutherfurd's Books

I love reading Rutherfurd's books. I love following families and seeing how historical events in history shape the lives and fortunes of succeeding generations. Anyone who enjoys history will enjoy this as well as all of Rutherfurd's books. Details of historical events are accurate and seeing them through the eyes of the characters brings them alive.

My only disappointment is the narrator. In the Ireland series the narrator was perfect and I was somewhat disappointed in the reader of this book. While she has a lovely voice, the constant swallowing bothered me. Her voice sounds old. Otherwise, I loved the book and would recommend it to anyone interested in historical novels.

Not on par with other Rutherford efforts...

Writing was good. There's just not enough there, there. Especially at 50+ hours. Too many dropped threads as well.

Stopping audiobook halfway 👎

I’ve listened to the Pillars of the Earth series multiple times, so I do have a liking for this period in history.
I also listened to Rutherford’s NEW YORK twice and loved it.
However here I kept plodding along but the main factor is the narrator. Narrated by an English woman who speaks fairly slow and has a rough voice. I even put the speed on 1.1, then 1.2 to change the voice and quicken the telling. It knocked hours off the total times but I’d now listened to about 20 hours w 20ish left. I give up.
I can’t bear her voice anymore.
I kept thinking it’ll kick in once I’m more invested in the story. Nope.
I just want it to stop and feel relieved I’m not going back.
I’m certain if it were another narrator I’d have responded better.