A trusted friend, Shane, recommended this book, so naturally, I had high expectations before reading it. In most cases, it turns out to be a disappointment when you read a book with high hopes; that’s why I usually try not to read a book with expectations, but I’m glad to say that this book met most of my expectations.
The book is the first book in Ken Follet’s Century trilogy. It explores the lives of English Earls, their coal miners and housemaids, their friends in politics and high society in other countries, and the toll WWI takes on friends whose countries go to war against each other.
It might be a coincidence, but I also watched the Netflix series “Downton Abbey” at the same time, and in both, a housemaid named Ethel ends up sleeping with someone with a higher social status. So what’s with the name Ethel?
What I Liked About the Book
Most characters in the book are multidimensional, which is something I always appreciate. No one is always good or always mean, which makes them relatable. They feel like real people, and the book makes you love them, hate them, and sympathize with them, just like you would with people around you.
However, the best aspect of the book is the engaging and exciting descriptions of historical events and characters. History and politics can sometimes be boring subjects, but the book takes you through the entire journey through WWI from the perspective of five different countries without making it dull.
The passage that stood out for me
“A waiter appeared, and Gus said: “Bring coffee for my guests, please, and a plate of ham sandwiches.” He deliberately did not ask them what they wanted. He had seen Woodrow Wilson act like this with people he wanted to intimidate.”
The Character I’ll Remember
I think when I think about this book in a few years, I’ll remember Maud. She is rebellious, resourceful, influential, and she knows it. Whenever I think about women’s right to vote, I’ll somehow remember her and Ethel.
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Update
I have finished reading "Winter of the World" the second book in the series, and just posted my review.
