Title: A Queda dos Gigantes
Author: Ken Follett
First published September 28, 2010
921 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9789722344289 (ISBN10: 9722344285)
Rating: 4.31
Overview
In “A Queda dos Gigantes,” the first volume of the “The Century” trilogy, the lives of five families – American, German, Russian, English, and Scottish – intersect during the tumultuous period of World War I, the Russian Revolution, and the Suffragette Movement. This first volume, spanning from 1911 to 1925, introduces us to the five families who will become the main protagonists of this trilogy.
However, the members of these families are not the only characters in this vast gallery, which includes real figures such as Winston Churchill, Lenin and Trotsky, General Joffre, and Arthur Zimmermann. They will weave a complexity of relationships between thwarted passions, rivalries, intrigues, power plays, and betrayals in the turbulent backdrop of World War I, the Russian Revolution, and the women’s suffrage movement.
This extraordinary epic is exceptional in its rigor of research and brilliant reconstruction of the times and mentalities of the era.
About the Author
Ken Follett is a highly successful author, with a whopping 170 million copies of his 36 books sold in over 80 countries and translated into 33 languages. He was born on June 5th, 1949 in Cardiff, Wales, to a tax inspector father and received his education from state schools before graduating with a degree in Philosophy from University College, London, where he later became a Fellow in 1995.
Follett’s career began in journalism, working for his hometown newspaper, South Wales Echo, before moving on to the London Evening News. Following this, he worked for Everest Books, a small London publishing house, until he was appointed Deputy Managing Director.
In 1978, Follett achieved his first major success with the publication of Eye of the Needle, a World War II thriller set in England, which earned him the 1979 Edgar Award for Best Novel from the Mystery Writers of America. This book remains one of his most popular works.
In 1989, Follett’s epic novel about the building of a medieval cathedral, The Pillars of the Earth, became a bestseller and was adapted into a major television series produced by Ridley Scott in 2010. Its sequel, World Without End, was equally popular upon its publication in 2007.
Follett’s latest book, The Evening and the Morning, is a prequel to The Pillars of the Earth and will be released in September 2020. It is set around the year 1,000, during which Kingsbridge was an Anglo-Saxon settlement under threat from Viking invaders.
Follett is also active in numerous literacy charities, having served as the president of Dyslexia Action for ten years. He was also the chair of the National Year of Reading, a joint initiative between the government and businesses.
He is involved in many charities in Stevenage, serving as the President of the Stevenage Community Trust and Patron of Home-Start Hertfordshire. Follett is an avid bass guitar player and lives in Stevenage with his wife Barbara, a former Member of Parliament for Stevenage, and their five children, six grandchildren, and two Labradors.
Editoral Review
Ken Follett’s A Queda dos Gigantes is a historical fiction masterpiece that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the tumultuous events of the early 20th century. Published on September 28, 2010, this epic novel spans five continents and showcases some of the most significant moments in world history.
Follett, best known for his bestselling novel, “The Pillars of the Earth,” is a master storyteller who is known for his ability to transport readers to different eras through vivid descriptions and realistic illustrations of historical events. Set against the backdrop of World War I, the Russian Revolution, and the suffragette movement, A Queda dos Gigantes is a complex and layered tale that follows the lives of several characters from different countries and social classes.
From a Welsh coal miner to a Russian aristocrat, each character’s story is intertwined with the others, forming a rich tapestry of interconnected lives. The novel’s central conflict revolves around the geopolitical struggles of the era, with nations vying for power and control over resources.
With the world on the brink of war, tensions run high as the characters navigate the rapidly changing political landscape while grappling with their own personal struggles. One of the book’s strengths is Follett’s meticulous research, which is evident in his accurate portrayal of the historical events and settings.
His descriptions of the trenches of World War I and the opulence of the Russian Imperial Court are especially vivid and immersive. Another strength of the book is the complexity and depth of the characters.
Despite their vastly different backgrounds and experiences, each character is fully realized and relatable. Their struggles and motivations are painstakingly fleshed out, making their triumphs and tragedies feel all the more real and emotionally resonant.
However, the book’s sprawling scope may also be considered a weakness. With so many characters and storylines, some readers may find it difficult to keep track of everything.
Additionally, some of the plot points may feel contrived or overly convenient at times. Overall, A Queda dos Gigantes is an engrossing and satisfying read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and those interested in world events.
While it may not be without its flaws, Follett’s masterful storytelling and attention to detail make it a compelling and memorable adventure. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good historical epic and is looking for an immersive and emotionally impactful read.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
