A M I G H T Y R E A D
.... When this book choice emerged from under the table a heavy silence ensued. So much so an extension beckoned before the 850 page book was even begun. The hussies may not have an appetite for a deadline but they certainly had an appetite for Mr Follet, consuming the book in record time.
.... This book, as with most of Ken Follet's books is an epic read. Full of accurate history wrapped up in a story following 5 families up to and just beyond the first world war. Many issues are in their infant stages in this book and Mr Follet educates us superbly with his 'easy to read' and 'easy to understand' writing. Trade Unions, The Labour Party, The Suffragettes, The Russian Revolution, The First World War, Early Churchill & Early Hitler are all monumental topics in their own right and Follet covers them with ease.
.... The fictitious story coupled with accurate historical facts follows the lives of five families which are intertwined through love, war, aristocracy and politics. The chapters are laid out in such a fashion that it is very easy to follow. Just enough fiction and history for the characters to take shape as you flit between your favourites whilst learning how hap-hazzard the organisation and execution of the first world war really was. Follet does not paint a good picture of the aristocracy from any country, yet it is staggering to learn how far we have come in less than 100 years.
.... The hussies agreed this was an unexpectedly easy and well informed read. Most points highlighted by the hussies referred to the plight of woman throughout all the classes. Woman were either kept or out on their own with very little choice in the matter. Most age groups would enjoy this book, which is the first of a trilogy, as Follet explains unfamiliar terms in detail.
.... All in all, it was agreed that the book was a success despite the initial trepidation . Highly recommended.
.... A quote which echoes through the book 'uneducated but not stupid'
The Hadrian Hotel - Wall
.... The Hadrian at Wall was the venue for our discussion. Just on the outskirts of Hexham, this cosy, hotel has a friendly bar and separate dining room. The staff were attentive and the food was reasonable and enjoyable.
.... A few snap shots of our menu choices that evening.
A beautifully presented Sea Bass!
A very tasty Belly Pork with Crackling!
.... The choice for our June read is 'The Trouble with Goats and Sheep' by Joanna Cannon
.... We will be reading this debut murder mystery novel set in the baking Summer of 1976 and discussing it in the baking Summer of 2017.
22/06/2017
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