A Place Called Freedom

Ken Follett

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'A Place Called Freedom' by Ken Follett is a fast-paced historical fiction novel set in the 18th century, spanning locations such as Scotland, London, and Virginia. It follows the parallel lives of Mack McAsh, a Scottish coal miner seeking freedom from indentured servitude, and Lizzie Hallim, a strong-willed heiress navigating societal expectations. The story delves into themes of social and political upheaval, class politics, and the desire for freedom in a time of strict socioeconomic hierarchies.

Characters:

The characters are a mix of strong archetypes, with Mack embodying the heroic struggle for justice and Lizzie reflecting the complexities of societal expectations.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is formal and fast-paced, providing an engaging narrative despite not delving deeply into character emotions.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a quest for justice and personal freedom within the context of 18th century class struggles, integrating romance and action across different settings.

Setting:

The setting is effectively established across multiple locations within the 18th century, highlighting the social and political upheaval of the era.

Pacing:

Pacing is generally fast, maintaining engagement despite occasional slowdowns for historical context.

SNOW CROWNED THE RIDGES OF HIGH GLEN AND LAY on the wooded slopes in pearly patches, like jewelry on the bosom of a green silk dress. In the valley bottom a hasty stream dodged between icy rocks. The ...

Notes:

The story is set in the 18th century, primarily in Scotland, London, and Virginia.

The main characters are Mack McAsh, a coal miner, and Lizzie Hallim, a landowner's daughter.

Mack's journey reflects a desire for freedom from socioeconomic oppression and indentured servitude.

Lizzie grapples with her role as a woman in a patriarchal society while challenging social conventions.

The book touches on themes of slavery, both of indentured servants and African slaves, but does not deeply explore the latter's plight.

Ken Follett's writing style in this book was described as more formal compared to his other works.

The novel includes a romance between Mack and Lizzie, often described as predictable and trope-laden.

Historical figures, like John Wilkes and George Washington, are included for context.

Readers shared mixed feelings about the portrayal of female characters, particularly Lizzie's independence and actions.

The book has been criticized for its lack of depth compared to Follett's other works such as 'Pillars of the Earth.'

Despite criticisms, many found the story engaging and fast-paced, with a good depiction of historical contexts.

Some readers noted that the book reads more like a romance novel than strict historical fiction.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of slavery, violence, and potentially distressing portrayals of class exploitation.

Has Romance?

The book contains a prominent romantic plot that unfolds between the two main characters, Mack and Lizzie, throughout the story.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

A PLACE CALLED FREEDOM begins in the infernal coal mines of the Jamisson family, in the Scottish highlands, where twenty-one-year-old Mack McAsh spends most of his waking hours. Bound to his employer for life, Mack burns with an insatiable desire to escape.

He finds an unlikely ally in Lizzie Hallim, the beautiful, willful young aristocratic woman who yearns for independence in a male-dominated society.

Mack's hunger for freedom brings him into conflict again and again with the harsh rulers of eighteenth-century Britain. Accused of riot-a capital crime-Mack becomes one of the thousands of convicts who are shipped to the American colonies, to work as slaves for seven long years.

With its vivid, fascinating portrayal of the colorful streets of London and the endless landscapes of the New World, plus an unforgettable cast of heroes and villains, lovers, and rebels, hypocrites, hell-raisers, and whores, A PLACE CALLED FREEDOM is a magnificent epic of love, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Ratings (3)

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Reader Stats (6):

Read It (3)
Want To Read (2)
Not Interested (1)

What can you read after
A Place Called Freedom?

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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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