The soap opera continues in volume 2, and I mean that in the best possible sense. This is the second in Ken Follett's historical fiction Century Trilogy, a stroll through the madness of the 20th Century. Winter of the World takes us through WWII through the eyes of the English, the Welsh, the French, the Germans, the Spanish, the Americans, and the Russians.These characters are the sons and daughters of volume 1's main heroes, with some of the originals returning for back stage kind of roles. Guess what? WWII sucked. You might have guessed that already, and you might think you've heard it all or don't need to hear anymore, but pick this up, and you will not want to put it down. Or go to work. Or do laundry, either. After reading and really enjoying the first book of the trilogy, I had high hopes for this book. However, I had to give up before reaching the end (87% complete on Kindle)... The characters are so cardboard, their actions and reactions so predictable that it becomes very tiresome and almost laughable. The main female characters are all cast in a variation of Ethel's mould - strong-minded, independent, self-righteous women fighting for freedom/democracy/women's rights. They are all essentially faultless. The only female character I can sort of relate to is Daisy, who behaves like a real human being. Most of the male characters are either self-righteous, brave and selfless heroes fighting for democracy and freedom or Fascist/Communist/Nazi 'baddies', Hollywood style. And after a while I just stopped caring about the characters and what happened to them. Ultimately, this is why I stopped reading towards the end. On top of that, the writing is very bland, lots of telling and not much showing. I still gave the book to stars because I enjoyed the historical insight it offers and there are some good plot twists. On the whole I find this a disappointing sequel to the first book.
What do You think about Winter Of The World (2012)?
Not as good as the first book in the trilogy.
—allen
