Winter of the World

Century Trilogy, Book 2

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 31 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

Winter of the World is the second novel in Ken Follett's uniquely ambitious Century trilogy. On its own or consumed in sequence with Fall of Giants and Edge of Eternity, this is a spellbinding epic of global conflict and personal drama.

A Battle of Ideals

It is 1933 and, at Cambridge, Lloyd Williams is drawn to irresistible socialite Daisy Peshkov, who represents everything that his left-wing family despise. But Daisy is more interested in aristocratic Boy Fitzherbert, a leader in the British Union of Fascists.

An Evil Uprising

Berlin is in turmoil. Eleven-year-old Carla von Ulrich struggles to understand the tensions disrupting her family as Hitler strengthens his grip on Germany. Many are resolved to oppose Hitler’s brutal regime – but are they willing to betray their country?

A Global Conflict on a Scale Never Seen Before

Shaken by the tyranny and the prospect of war, the lives of five families become ever more enmeshed. As an international clash of military power and personal beliefs sweeps the world, what will this new war mean for those who must live through it?

©2012 Ken Follett (P)2012 Penguin US/Macmillan Digital Audio

Critic reviews

"This book is peopled by excellent characters, both lovable and detestable, and I , along with millions of other Follett fans I’m sure – can’t wait for the third instalment of his Century trilogy to appear." (Shropshire Star)

Learn history through real peoples lives

I rally enjoyed listening .Feel I know more about botn sites .I am looking forward to the nezt book.Hopefully Ken Follet focus even more on the political situation and the changes in the society . Too many lovestories may distroy the historical importance of the series.

Nice story great narration.

Good story, but the characters' part in most historic milestones reminds me a bit of Forrest Gump and requires some naiveté. Still, can’t wait for the last instalment.

John Lee is a master, great narration.

Great Book and narration

The Lee's narration enrich thus great book. Highly recommend it for people to like historical books.

Brilliant storyteller

A master of storytelling that encapsulates an authentic glimpse into history- I found it riveting

Ken Follett...need I say more?

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

Definitely. It is an interesting tale, woven thru WWII history, told thru the eyes of very real and vivid characters.

What did you like best about this story?

I learned so much about the facts behind the facts of WWII.

What about John Lee’s performance did you like?

I usually prefer to hear a man reading; I don't know why, but there it is. John Lee has a strong easy to listen to voice.

Great read, great history, but average writing

If you like Ken Follett (I do) you will not be disappointed with the this continuation of Fall of Giants. It carries on with the same characters and same style; lots of historical detail, amazing coincidences where his characters by chance meet on city streets or in the midst of battle, and unfortunately many anachronisms. Still the ride is a fun one. John Lee is an excellent narrator. Each book is about 30 hours, so you need to enjoy his voice to get through them. He does the various accents and women's voices well without overdoing it or intruding into the story.

What I think Follett does best is provide good historical background and insights into the great events of the twentieth century. I am 53 and after reading (hearing) this book I have a clearer understanding of the rise of fascism in Europe than from all my previous reading.

The battle scenes and the romantic interludes are all rather predictable. It becomes hard to tell one from the other and the course of the relationships become so well worn that we feel we could write them for him.

Overall, I would say that Follett appeals to the boy in us. While I have enjoyed this and the previous book tremendously, I would not recommend them to my wife, who is quite a serious reader. I can just see her turn her nose up in in distaste. Rather it takes me back to the cracking good reads of my adolescence and for that I am very grateful.

History with a good story

I have always enjoyed Ken Follett and he didn't let me down with this book. He once more had me confused for a while with keeping up with the different characters as he zig zagged round the world, but then all of a sudden everything fell into place... great historical story teller...

Fabulous

A brutal and honest fictional account of WWII. Should be compulsory reading. Let's not forget what happened in order to be alert and compassionate. Never again. Ken Follett did indeed show us the horrors and the goodness wars bring. Can't wait to read book 3.

Wow - Fantastic the best book Ken has written!

Would you listen to Winter of the World again? Why?

Absolutely i will read this book again when the next instalment is getting close to release. i have really enjoyed all of Ken work and this was no disappointment.

What did you like best about this story?

The character development and attention to detail for the period was superb, i really can’t wait for the final instalment in the millennium series and i am sure i will be left feeling hollow and wanting more when it is finished as I have with Ken’s other great series.

Which character – as performed by John Lee – was your favorite?

They were all great and i have enjopyed all of Johns work on Ken's books, John kept the characters voices consistent throughout the book, if i had to pick a faviourite it would be Ethel Leckwith

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not really the whole book was emotional up and down

Any additional comments?

Cetainly a must read

A story that follows the course of history.

Some interesting facts and gives a good point of view how lives in different socialites were at different times. Liked the portrait of Soviet Union and now in book 2 you feel like you know and are caring for the different families.