Ken Follett's Historical Fiction

    Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

This novel of cathedral building, lords and serfs, and medieval life is a surprise if you only know the author's spy/suspense thrillers. The characters are well developed and the plot has twists and turns that keep you reading. A mini-series has been made so read the book first and get your popcorn ready!

   World Without End by Ken Follett

Another massive historical fiction with descendants of some of the characters in the first book, this one gets well into the 1350's with church hierarchy, guild vs. priory feuds, and intricate plotting. I especially appreciate the details like how much a bag of wool weighed (Remember Baa Baa Black Sheep?) and how madder was ground to make dye. The end is a long time coming, but you'll enjoy every detail.

  Fall of Giants by Ken Follett


Billed as #1 in The Century Trilogy, this novel focuses on World War I era.  If you are having Downton Abbey withdrawal, it may just be the book for you! Lord Fitzherbert is married to Russian Princess Bea. His sister, Lady Maud, falls in love with Walter, a German. Ethel the maid's family works in the Welsh coal mines. American Gus Dewar is an aide in the Wilson White House. Russian brothers Lev and Grigorio long to escape peasant life and come to America. All of their stories mesh with the war. The end sets readers up for Volume 2, but get ready to wait for publication!