A Place Called Freedom

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 14 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Larger-than-life characters and an epic plot brimming with the energy of his internationally acclaimed thrillers make Ken Follett's A Place Called Freedom an experience not to be missed. This lush novel, set in 1766 England and America, evokes an era ripe with riot and revolution, from the teeming streets of London to the sprawling grounds of a Virginia plantation. Mack McAsh burns with the desire to escape his life of slavery in Scottish coal mines while Lizzie Hallim is desperate to shed a life of sheltered subjugation to her spineless husband. United in America, their only chance for freedom lies beyond the Western frontier - if they're brave enough to take it. Spanning two continents and bringing together an unforgettable cast of heroes, villains, and rebels, A Place Called Freedom is a magnificent epic of love, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Narrator Simon Prebble's masterful use of voice and pacing captures a vivid cast of characters and the powerful destiny that shapes their lives.

©1995 Ken Follett (P)1997 Recorded Books

Not Exactly New

Would you consider the audio edition of A Place Called Freedom to be better than the print version?

I don't know whether I would or not, but I do consider it a bit disingenuous to promote this as a "featured pre-order" when it was written almost 20 years ago. Nonetheless, the second I saw it I pre-ordered it as I would any book by Ken Follett. I did not realize, until the day I actually received it, that it was written in 1996. After listening to it, I can understand why it had not been previously released as an audio book, namely because it is not up to Follett's standards; however, despite being one of his least impressive books, it was still very, very good. In fact had it been written by another author I might have given it five stars.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Place Called Freedom?

Discovering that my "new, just released" Ken Follett audio book was written in 1996.

What about Simon Prebble’s performance did you like?

This is the first book I have listened to that was read by Simon Prebble, but like all of Follett's other audio books, it was extremely well done. Pleasant voice with no egregious mispronunciations.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I suppose it was that good; however I also think that this could have easily been lengthened into a multi-part series some of Follett's other works.

Any additional comments?

Ken Follett is one of the best fiction writers of his generation. He is an excellent story teller and most of his historical fiction is factual, despite evincing an unmistakable liberal bias.

I tried to like it.

Follett is not really my cup of tea. Well I think he did his research on 18th-century Scotland England and America, I wasn't really impressed with his historical writing. He seem to miss the mark by portraying characters that seemed out of the 20th century but with 18th-century facts. The worst part was his portrayal of passion. His writing left a lot to be desired. "when first she saw his penis . . . a wrinkled tube"!!! Really - a wrinkled tube??? All in all I did like the story, even though the ending was a bit flat.

WAAAAAY too much violence and suffering

Any additional comments?

This gentle reader could not wait to get to the, presumably, happy ending. Many will not mind the de-humanizing treatment of some of the protagonists and will see the violent and bloody treatment as the only way to achieve the happy-ever-after ending. As for me, NO WAY to ever again seek to navigate this kind of sad (but no doubt based in truth) struggle.

Masterful story

Loved this romantic story set in 18th century about 2 strong characters. One a young man indentured to a mining company yearning to be free. The other a strong young woman of the gentry class.. The story takes us on the adventures of these 2 protagonists, and how they come together traveling separately to Scotland to England and finally to America just before the revolution. Simon Prebble is an excellent narrator. His interpretation of each of the characters is spot on. You begin to recognize esch character by his intonations.
Another wonderful historical fiction by Follett. Janice

Exceptional

I don't usually give 5 stars. But when it's a book that you can hardly wait to listen to and one in which you feel like part of the story, it gets the 5!

Ken Follet is a MASTER

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes - This was another amazing story by a Master storyteller. Easy to get taken to Scotland, and 1700 Americas. I felt as if I were sitting in the taverns watching the events unfold.

What other book might you compare A Place Called Freedom to and why?

Pillars of the earth. Takes in so much history and significant events of the time.

What about Simon Prebble’s performance did you like?

Great narration. Easy to understand and gets the listener wrapped up in the story and the places.

Great story.

Great family saga. Reader voice was easy to listen to. Recording has some hiss in background.

Great story

It was an absorbing story. So sorry to see it end so soon. Wanted more............

Follet took his time about this story

Just ok; doesn't touch his recent masterpieces. the story plods along, and some things are predictable.

Love Ken Follett

Good story, typical Follett. If you like his work you'll like this. The narration was good especially if you like British accents.