Winter of the World by Ken Follet

Can you have too much of a good thing?  Apparently so!

This month we are reading the second part of a Ken Follet Trilogy. Amidst all the moans and groans the choice was pushed forward after everyone enjoyed the first instalment so much. 

Was it the one month time restraint?  Was it the fact that we have covered WW2 in numerous other books?  Was it the colossal content?  Who knows, but this book was not received at all well. It was agreed that it was a good read. The history and the politics were covered in depth but the characters within the families carrying the whole thing along was lacking in some people’s view.  The characters did not appear to develop in the same way as in part one and some characters were killed off before they had a chance to get going. A trait of Mr Follet, much to the dissatisfaction of the book group. The writing style remained the same and, although, it was still an easy read, it felt less engaging.  

Apparently, the third part of the trilogy is getting better reviews because of the more up to date history. Something that may be more engaging for the book group!  

Our dining experience was at The Duke of Wellington, Newton, Northumberland. We have dined here before and remembered it to be small portions for large prices. Not so, this time. There was a good choice on the menu at reasonable prices, and we dined in a pleasant ambience. However, the service did not match.  This was commented on trip advisor and we would have to agree. Such a pity. Hopefully they will take note. 

Next month we will be turning back to the classics. 

        

                                                

My Cousin Rachel by Daphne Du Maurier

Simplistic and probably a welcome relief. 

October 2017