(Subdue) A Column of Fire by Ken Follett 4.5 *'s

[MargieD2017]

Wow, February was a tough month for me. Between two challenges that I had entered each landed on me having to read epic size novels. Learned a lesson here - don't put 900 page books on my lists.

So, my February read is showing up in March. Don't think I will make it out of the Clerk level on my train.

Onto the book review:

A Column of Fire is an epic historical novel written by Ken Follett and focuses on the years from 1558 to 1620 in Kingsbridge, England. This novel is based on the religious differences between the Catholics and the Protestants and the evil that could be done in supporting either belief.

The book is historically accurate using the actual names of the supporting cast that were true historical characters. The story is presented largely by the protagonists Ned Willard (freedom of religion proponent) and Rollo Fitzgerald (Catholic and all others are sinners deserving of death) who are the fictional introductions and carry the storyline. The novel portrays all of the royality governing Spain, France and England during these tumultous times and walks us through the growth of Ned and Rollo in their beliefs and their respective impacts on others in the same regard. All of this leads to potential war between countries with the overthrow of Queen Elizabeth.

I never lost interest while reading the 900 pages of this book. A true credit to the author to create a storyline that evolves over decades without the reader's interest lost in some painful expanse of historical explanation. Really enjoyed this book.

[Joanne]

My favorite Follet series, glad you enjoyed it!

[Amy]

This is on my TBR too, but it’s really hard to get to the 900 page books. There was a time in this group with every single year there was a proposed long bug challenge. Usually that almost won. So I actually have kept bunch of very lengthy books, including this one, so I will have it whenever that challenge actually reemerges. Also the sunne in splendor, and a few others. Honestly, without the challenge, I think they’re going to linger there for a very long while. But I do love Ken Follett, and would love to see how this one finishes out the series.