Fall of Giants

By Ken Follett

            Over the past few years I have expanded my scope of preferred authors.  My wife is thrilled that when we go to a book store or book sale, my first comment is no longer “where’s the Stephen King section?”  My sister took a gamble this last Christmas and purchased this book by Ken Follett for me.  Aside from Matterhorn, I haven’t read much historical fiction, so I was not sure how this would turn out.  I must say that she certainly hit the mark and really grabbed a terrific novel. 

            Fall of Giants is a novel based upon the time period before and through the First World War.  The story is told from the perspective of families from four of the major countries involved in World War I (America, Germany, England, and Russia).  By interweaving personal drama with national peril, the author creates sympathy for the characters and also teaches the reader history.  I had forgotten much of middle school history, but I can say that this was a pleasant and entertaining way to get a refresher on world history.

            In the mining town of Aberowen, England we follow the Williams family.  The Williams family is a coal mining family which includes David (head of the coal miners’ union), Cara (Mom), Billy (aka Billy Twice), and Ethel.  When we meet the family, Billy is getting ready for his first day in the mines.  Billy meets a great deal of hazing and harsh treatment.  His inner fortitude shines through as he sticks to his guns, and stands up to his bullies.  Ethel Williams is a maid at Ty Gwyn, which is owned by the Earl (Teddy) Fitzherbert or “Fitz.”  Fitz is the ninth richest man in England, partly due to his ownership of the Aberowen coal mines.  Ethel begins an affair with Fitz, which ultimately changes her life.  Ethel learns to fend for herself, and ultimately becomes one of two main voices in support of women’s rights.

            On the American front, we meet the Dewar family.  Gus Dewar is from a wealthy family and is a close adviser to Woodrow Wilson.  Gus’ personal relationships along with his political encounters drive the American plotline.  We learn about America’s reluctance to enter the war, and their plans for worldwide reformation based on “The Fourteen Points” directly from Woodrow Wilson

            In Germany, we learn about cousins Walter and Robert von Ulrich.  Walter becomes involved with Earl Fitzherbert’s sister, Maud.  As the relationship between the two begins to flourish, the developing conflict between England and Germany becomes a major hurdle.  Will their love be able to survive such a widespread skirmish?

            Russian brothers Grigori and Lev Peshkov, detail the struggles of daily Russian life.  Grigori is the responsible brother, always taking care of his younger brother Lev.  So when Lev gets into some trouble, Grigori gives up his ticket to America to save his brother’s life.  In America, Lev winds up falling back into his old ways and gets himself into trouble following his libido.  Lev ends up working for a very powerful and corrupt family in Buffalo.  Grigori’s side of the story is especially interesting as it details the struggles of the Russian people in the early 1900’s.  He fights corruption, starvation, and for equality for all citizens of Russia.  Ultimately Grigori becomes a soldier in the Russian army and becomes intimately involved in the Communist revolution.

Follett must be praised not only for creating interesting characters with relatable conflicts, but also for his attention to detail in regards to historical events.  Important events in each country are easily understood because the reader experiences them through the eyes of his characters.  Along with the political developments (the league of nations, assassination, and war), there is also a wealth of information sprinkled in about the women’s rights movement told from strong female characters developed by Follett.  Follett does an amazing job of teaching you about the period without making you feel like it’s a history lesson.  Like most people, I have forgotten the majority of the history lessons I was taught in my formative years.  It was so refreshing to read about the 14 points, the League of Nations, Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination and many of the semi-familiar events surrounding World War I.  I had no difficulty following the story arc of

each character, even as the author jumped from story line to story line.  It’s so easy to forget how ubiquitous the impact of The Great War was for the citizens of each country involved.  Follett’s writing makes this impact accessible and relatable to the reader, and he tells a terrific story at the same time.  I would highly recommend this book for the ample historical information along with the entertaining plot.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Bunsen Burners

Up Next: Winter of the Worlds by Ken Follett