Who Would Like This Book:
If you love sprawling historical sagas and want to see the sweep of British history come alive, "London" is your kind of book. Edward Rutherfurd chronicles 2,000 years of the city’s story through the lives of a handful of families, weaving in juicy tidbits about famous events, landmarks, and Londoner quirks. Fans of Michener, history buffs, or anyone about to visit (or daydream of) London will find tons to adore here, from Roman times to the Blitz.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Those who crave deep character development or a tight, focused plot might find this book a struggle. The sheer size (over 1,000 pages!) and dense info-dumps can make it exhausting, especially if you’re not a hardcore history fan. Some readers are bothered by dated social attitudes, particularly the flat portrayals of women and limited diversity. If you prefer fast-paced or modern, inclusive storytelling, this may not be your cup of tea.
About:
'London' by Edward Rutherfurd is a sweeping historical novel that spans over two thousand years of London's history, following the lives of multiple families through various eras such as the Roman invasion, Shakespearean times, The Great Fire, and post-World War II. The book is structured as a series of interconnected short stories, each depicting a different period in London's evolution, providing readers with a vivid portrayal of how the city has transformed over time.
The narrative style of 'London' is praised for its ability to seamlessly weave together fiction and historical facts, offering readers a captivating journey through London's rich and diverse history. Readers appreciate the detailed exploration of different aspects of London life, from the origins of place names to architectural features, providing a well-rounded lesson in the city's history while following the fates of various families across generations.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include rampant misogyny, including abuse, sexual harassment, and portrayal of women as submissive, as well as historical events that reflect violence and societal inequalities.
Has Romance?
The book contains a medium amount of romance, explored mainly through the relationships of the characters across generations.
From The Publisher:
"A TOUR DE FORCE . . . London tracks the history of the English capital from the days of the Celts until the present time. . . . Breathtaking."-The Orlando Sentinel
A master of epic historical fiction, Edward Rutherford gives us a sweeping novel of London, a glorious pageant spanning two thousand years. He brings this vibrant city's long and noble history alive through his saga of ever-shifting fortunes, fates, and intrigues of a half-dozen families, from the age of Julius Caesar to the twentieth century. Generation after generation, these families embody the passion, struggle, wealth, and verve of the greatest city in the Old World.
Praise for London
"Remarkable . . . The invasion by Julius Caesar's legions in 54 B.C. . . . The rise of chivalry and the Crusades . . . The building of the Globe theatre . . . and the coming of the Industrial Revolution. . . . What a delightful way to get the feel of London and of English history. . . . We witness first-hand the lust of Henry VIII. We overhear Geoffrey Chaucer deciding to write The Canterbury Tales. . . . Each episode is a punchy tale made up of bite-size chunks ending in tiny cliffhangers."-The New York Times
"Hold-your-breath suspense, buccaneering adventure, and passionate tales of love and war."-The Times (London)
"Fascinating . . . A sprawling epic."-San Francisco Chronicle
Ratings (9)
Incredible (2) | |
Loved It (4) | |
Liked It (3) |
Reader Stats (40):
Read It (11) | |
Want To Read (22) | |
Not Interested (7) |
What can you read after
London?
About the Author:
Edward Rutherfurd is the internationally bestselling author of several novels, including the New York Times bestsellers New York, London, The Princes of Ireland, and The Rebels of Ireland.
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