Who Would Like This Book:
Fans of sweeping historical sagas will feel right at home in this immersive prequel to The Pillars of the Earth. The Dark Ages setting is captivating, full of Viking raids, political intrigue, and everyday life in pre-industrial England. Follett’s signature mix of relatable heroes, dastardly villains, strong female protagonists, and richly detailed depictions of ordinary life keeps the pages turning. If you love stories about communities rising from humble beginnings, or you’re drawn to tales with powerful themes of perseverance and justice, this book will hook you. It’s also a treat for series veterans, but works well as a standalone entry.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers find the book formulaic - if you’ve read Follett before, you might notice familiar characters and plot beats repeated. The good and bad characters can feel one-dimensional to those craving more psychological nuance. Others have criticized the pacing, repetitive elements, and occasional melodrama, as well as the inclusion of modern dialogue and explicit content. If you’re after subtle character development, innovative narratives, or tighter, less sprawling reads, this might not be your cup of tea.
About:
"The Evening and the Morning" by Ken Follett is a prequel to his popular novel "The Pillars of the Earth" and is set in England during the Middle Ages, specifically in the year 997 AD. The story follows the lives of three main characters - Edgar, a gifted boatbuilder's son who faces tragedy due to Viking raids, Ragna of Normandy who struggles with her marriage to a British earl, and Brother Aldred, a monk with aspirations of creating a renowned center for education. The novel is described as a completely modern historical fiction with explicit sex, a mix of sweet romance and villainy, and strong, competent female characters, vividly portraying medieval society and ordinary life details.
Follett's storytelling in "The Evening and the Morning" is hailed as masterful, engaging readers with a mix of Vikings, power-hungry family members, slaves, and monks. is praised for its rich historical details, intense plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, and the ability to transport readers into the setting with vivid descriptions that appeal to the senses. The writing style is noted for its ability to evoke the sights, sounds, and emotions of each character, making it an immersive reading experience.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include depictions of violence, slavery, and the historical treatment of women.
Has Romance?
There is a medium level of romance present, with romantic tensions woven into the main narrative.
From The Publisher:
#1 New York Times Bestseller
An Amazon Best Book of 2020
The thrilling and addictive prequel to The Pillars of the Earth-set in England at the dawn of a new era: the Middle Ages
"Just as transporting as [The Pillars of the Earth] . . . A most welcome addition to the Kingsbridge series." -The Washington Post
It is 997 CE, the end of the Dark Ages. England is facing attacks from the Welsh in the west and the Vikings in the east. Those in power bend justice according to their will, regardless of ordinary people and often in conflict with the king. Without a clear rule of law, chaos reigns.
In these turbulent times, three characters find their lives intertwined. A young boatbuilder's life is turned upside down when his home is raided by Vikings, forcing him and his family to move and start their lives anew in a small hamlet where he does not fit in. . . . A Norman noblewoman marries for love, following her husband across the sea to a new land, but the customs of her husband's homeland are shockingly different, and it soon becomes clear to her that a single misstep could be catastrophic. . . . A monk dreams of transforming his humble abbey into a center of learning that will be admired throughout Europe. And each in turn comes into dangerous conflict with a clever and ruthless bishop who will do anything to increase his wealth and power.
Thirty years ago, Ken Follett published his most popular novel, The Pillars of the Earth. Now, Follett's masterful new prequel The Evening and the Morning takes us on an epic journey into a historical past rich with ambition and rivalry, death and birth, love and hate, that will end where The Pillars of the Earth begins.
Ratings (46)
Incredible (9) | |
Loved It (25) | |
Liked It (8) | |
It Was OK (3) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (97):
Read It (49) | |
Currently Reading (2) | |
Want To Read (31) | |
Did Not Finish (6) | |
Not Interested (9) |
2 comment(s)
I think this is the first review I’ve written. I usually just assign my rating and move on; but I must say something about this book. I was so disappointed in the writing. I pushed on, thinking it would get better, but it never did. I did however become interested in what would happen to Ragna and Edgar. But I won’t continue with the rest of the books in the Kingsbridge series. I can think of much better books to spend my time on.
This was fantastic. Set in the dark ages with lots of drama and intrigue. I didn’t want this book to end and this is so far my fave read of this year.
What can you read after
The Evening and the Morning?
About the Author:
Ken Follett is one of the world's best-loved authors, selling more than 170 million copies of his thirty-two books. Follett's first bestseller was Eye of the Needle, a spy story set in the Second World War. In 1989, The Pillars of the…
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