Plot/Summary:
Master storyteller Ken Follett's latest book follows families of five nationalities through the troubling days of World War I and the Russian Revolution. The book begins with a gripping account of young Billy Williams' first day working in a Welsh coal mine. The mine is owned by the English Fitzherbert family, for whom Billy's sister is a servant. The Fitzherberts host a party for American Guy Dewar and German nobles Robert and Walter von Ulrich. The lives of these families plus a pair of Russian peasant brothers become intertwined through politics, romance, and adversity. Throughout the book, the fictional characters find themselves among real historical characters and participate in many historical events. This is the first book in Follett's planned Century Trilogy.  

Comments:
While this book is nearly 1000 pages, it is rarely dull and moves at a good pace. There were characters I loved and characters I loathed. Don't let the size of the book scare you away. You'll be hooked immediately!

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Reviewed by nw, 12/10. Other reviews by nw. Have you read this book? Tell us what you think!