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This epic novel about the history of France is centered in Paris, beginning with the dawn of civilization and concluding in the mid Twentieth Century. The author follows several families of various social classes and political or religious persuasions down through the generations. I loved it like I always loved James Michener's epic works. I learned so much about French history and its place in Western Civilization. I didn't know how much I didn't know going into this read. I intend to read othe
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3+ stars. I thought Mr. Rutherfurd did a better job with New York. This one feels like some of the characters were contrived to make the (hi)story work. It's very long, with lots of back and forth, not just among characters, but in centuries.... and then we slam it shut with an epilogue.
If you know very little about French history and what to get the full gist and don't mind a long read... this will work! ...more
If you know very little about French history and what to get the full gist and don't mind a long read... this will work! ...more
3.5 stars and not 4 for two reasons: moving back and forth in time broke the flow of the story (for me) and I was hoping for more early history. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed Paris and its main characters, particularly Thomas Gascon. The way Rutherfurd blends history with his fictional families, molding their lives as their paths cross over the generations, kept me engaged throughout.
Nov 11, 2013
Ashley Dreyer
marked it as to-read
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