THE EVENING AND THE MORNING by KEN FOLLETT
THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH by Ken Follett was published in 1989. It was an immediate best seller and has become over time the most popular book Follett has ever written, and he has written thirty one novels. His latest novel THE EVENING AND THE MORNING is billed as a prequel to THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH but who can remember characters and storylines from three decades ago. So most readers will embark upon the journey of this new story as a standalone event.
In reading any book by Ken Follett there are two things you should remember. First, Follett is a master story teller. He weaves this tale of characters living in the late tenth and early eleventh centuries with skill and care. As soon as you open the pages of this new book you are totally immersed in the life of Edgar, a boatbuilder. He is love with a woman married to another man and he is convinced she is the love of his life.
Just as Edgar intends to make his play for this woman the Vikings invade his land. Tragedy ensues and Edgar’s life is changed in an instant. It is virtually turned upside down. All of this happens when Edgar is only eighteen years old. In the years that follow Edgar changes rapidly and so does the world around him.
The second fact to know about Follett is he is brilliant in the research he does in preparation for writing his books. This new novel is a perfect example of this. He covers the story of Edgar with facts and descriptions concerning life in 997. You learn what is available to the average man and woman of this time. You are introduced to the foods they eat and the houses and buildings which they inhabit. It is staggering on the one hand to see what they lack, but impressive on the other to see what they possess.
Follett gives you this information without hindering the narrative. Other authors stop their stories to reveal to the reader how much information and data they have researched and found. Follett, however, lets this information and data flow into his story and become a learning experience without branding it as such. The story is always paramount while the information concerning history and surroundings is the cherry on top of the whipped cream.
And oh what a story it is. Follett fills his pages with romance, drama, comedy, passion, intrigue and adventure. Since this is a saga it spreads over years and years but never loses the intimacy of its basic story. There is also never a chance for the reader to become complacent. What is thought to be predictable is not. What is thought to be predestined is not. Anything can happen and the unexpected usually does.
THE EVENING AND THE MORNING is the most deliciously readable book I have encountered in some time. It is fascinating and educating at the same time. You will find yourself lost in Edgar’s world and held captive by each and every word Follett wrote.
Having a new Ken Follett novel available is an event that does not occur every year. Therefore it is a time to be cherished and enjoyed to the fullest depending on the story he presents. This new novel; this new epic; this new event is worth your time, energy and effort. Block off a solid period of time to enjoy this magnificent story. This is the book you and your friends will be reading and talking about from now until Christmas and beyond. For lovers of historical fiction such as I, this is that genre’s best book in ages and ages. I loved it!
THE EVENING AND THE MORNING is published by the Viking Press. It contains 913 pages and sells for $36.00.
Jackie K Cooper
www.jackiekcooper.com
