This summer I have read 3 books
(Kindle Edition) - Ken Follett’s first two books in the Century of Giants
Trilogy and Diana Gabaldon’s first book in her Outlander Series.
Starting with Ken Follett’s - I like Ken
Follett and read almost all of his good books and brilliant books like “Eye of
the Needle” and “The Pillars of the Earth”. I had postponed buying Ken
Follett’s “Fall of Giants” for some time as was not keen on war story. I
eventually bought a kindle edition in December last year. Once I started I
could not put the book down. Although it’s gigantic (glad I have kindle!) and
involved numerous characters –it’s never repetitive or boring. I have learnt
much, much more about the Great War. The author provided readers with viewpoints
from all sides. This one is almost on par with The Pillars. And although it is
the first one in the trilogy there is no cliff hanger. However, I bought the
second book immediately after the first one was finished.
“Winter of the World” is about World War
2. It is also good but not as brilliant as the first book – a bit like reading “World
without End” after The Pillars where the sequel is a bit pale compared to the
first book. The story in this book carries on from the first one with the next
generation of the characters in Fall of Giants but the politics were darker and
personal agendas more malevolent. The aftermath was more devastated because of
the technology. I am now looking forward to the final instalment “Edge of
Eternity” in 2014!
Diana Gabaldon’s Cross-Stitch – What would
I say? I was lent this book by a friend of a friend who wanted to start me on
her favourite author when she learnt that I like reading. It was very sweet of
her but sadly, this book is not my cup of tea ( I abandoned the printed version
for the kindle one after the first 10 pages – the book is huge). While I found
the main plot interesting, the story is too repetitive and drawn out and some
events do not add anything to the book apart from sex scenes. I also found that
‘written’ Scottish accent was quite annoying when used over and over.
Some of my friends could not read past
the first few pages of The Pillars while I still think it is one of the best
fictions I have ever read. And the same friend just loves Amy Tan as much as I
do – so one book does not suit everybody. Like a lot of readers, I often read
reviews on Amazon before buying a book, both negatives and positives of course.
They also allow comments on reviews and I am rather amused to see a lot of
people hurling abuses when there are negative reviews on their beloved books or
authors. People have different views and tastes on books so be open-minded
about it.
Note: Photo of “Fall of Giants” is from
Amazon
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