This review was written by Ginger Wilson and posted by Lizzy Mottern

Unlike the provincial medieval world of his earlier historical fiction, Follett placed his characters in several European nations as well as the United States; the rich and powerful figures are early 20th century cosmopolitan and even those from the lower classes stray away from their home places for work, “escape,” and/or service in the Great War – the focus of the novel. Follett captures both the nuances embedded in the psyche of different nations and the lifestyles of the rich and the poor. The various nationalities and classes interact, allowing the readers to view varying perspectives on the war and its major events. Also, through the characters’ adventures and misadventures, the author highlights the mismanagement of the war and the even worse mismanagement of the peace while weaving in other controversial issues and isms of the era. With his demonstrated historical knowledge and incisive insights, hopefully Follett in the next two volumes will enliven the dialogue and explore more fully the complexity of the characters as he did in his earlier page-turning historical novels.