Questions About Edge of Eternity (The Century Trilogy, #3)

by Ken Follett (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (31)

This book is full of revisionist history and incorrect statements! I know it is fiction but so full of propaganda.

Bevan Lewis Follett has a left wing perspective. I think you have to have some perspective to make historic fiction interesting, otherwise it ends up being a text…moreFollett has a left wing perspective. I think you have to have some perspective to make historic fiction interesting, otherwise it ends up being a textbook. Is he inaccurate? Is it 'revisionist' whatever that means (presumably falsely changing the historic record?)?
I would answer no. More 'liberal' figures like Kennedy are shown with their flaws, hesitations and their pragmatic political decisions which often are contrary to what you might argue is the morally right thing to do. His hesitation at taking action over segregation is well portrayed.
Equally Nixon's positive actions (recognition of China etc) are pointed out, as is his deception and corruption. Reagan is not such a central 'character' in the story but the hawkish arms buildup, and Bush's failure to act strategically as communism crumbled (aiding the Soviet hawks by threatening to build up weapons) are all factual.
I think we need to hear some examples of falsity, or relevant facts that disprove his perspective.(less)

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Did anyone find Mr. Follett's portrayal of JFK as adulterer as offensive?

Jen I agree with Sarah, I think it's quite well known that he really did have a number of affairs. I believe Maria's story is loosely based on the true st…moreI agree with Sarah, I think it's quite well known that he really did have a number of affairs. I believe Maria's story is loosely based on the true story of Mimi Alford, a White House intern who had an affair with JFK. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimi_A...(less)

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1. Are all the critics here Republicans? 2. Was the advancement of rights for blacks and colored people good for America I ask those same critics? 3. Are people saying that lies and mistruths are stated by Follet, because they refuse to believe the truths of what crimes whites did to blacks, the corruption in police forces, and bigots in State governments?

Sandi 1. Even Democrats can see the bias. 2. To much about racism and little about the rest of the century. 3. There were too many distortions. Facts should…more1. Even Democrats can see the bias. 2. To much about racism and little about the rest of the century. 3. There were too many distortions. Facts should have been checked.

For me, a sad finish. Loved the first two. Why do writers need to get into politics? This country is far greater than this portrayal!(less)

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Is anyone re-reading the first two books in the series before reading Edge of Eternity?

Connie I I started Edge without re-reading the other two and it's fine. There are a couple of charts in the front that outline the characters so it helps one r…moreI started Edge without re-reading the other two and it's fine. There are a couple of charts in the front that outline the characters so it helps one remember. Plus he refers to their relationship links early on so I haven't had any difficulty picking up the story. So far this book is terrific!(less)

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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

Kristen Toblesky I completely agree! I was amazed that he thought Reagen had nothing to do with the fall of communism. The only 2 events in the book he mentioned about…moreI completely agree! I was amazed that he thought Reagen had nothing to do with the fall of communism. The only 2 events in the book he mentioned about Reagen were bad things. He even showed Bush 41 and Jim Baker as weak on communism.

The funny part to me was at the end of the book when the two men were talking about trying to give Reagen credit for the fall of communism. Cam mentioned Reagen's speech ("Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall!") and the other guy said something like so what?

If that's the case, then Follet needs to not be so keen on JFK saying that he's a Berliner. After all, it was just a speech too.(less)

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