Sarum: The Novel of England

Edward Rutherfurd

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you love sprawling historical epics and are fascinated by England's past, "Sarum" is a treat. The novel dives deep into the history of the Salisbury region, stretching from the Ice Age right up to the modern era. Rutherfurd brings to life significant events - think the building of Stonehenge, Roman invasions, the Black Death, and more - through generations of interconnected families. Readers who enjoy immersive world-building, well-researched settings, and seeing the big picture of history unfold through everyday people will especially enjoy this one.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you're looking for tight character development or a fast-paced, character-driven plot, "Sarum" might test your patience. Some readers found the writing style clunky and felt the characters were stereotyped or two-dimensional across generations. The sheer length (it's a real doorstopper!) and episodic structure - more like historical vignettes than a continuous narrative - might not work for those who struggle with big, slow-moving books or who prefer a more traditional novel structure. If you need a book where you get attached to characters for hundreds of pages, this may not be your cup of tea.

Epic in scope but uneven in execution, "Sarum" is perfect for history buffs and patient readers who want to experience England's long and dramatic story through the centuries. Expect less of a character study and more of a dramatic, sweeping lesson in history.

About:

Sarum: The Novel of England by Edward Rutherfurd is a sweeping historical novel that spans thousands of years, starting from the Ice Age almost 10,000 years ago to the late 20th century. The book follows the history of the area surrounding Salisbury, England, focusing on the lives of multiple families across generations. Readers praised the mix of real historical facts and fiction, as Rutherfurd weaves a fine fiction tale around historical events, bringing British history to life. The novel covers significant landmarks such as Stonehenge, Old Sarum, and Salisbury Cathedral, providing a detailed account of the region's history.

The book is known for its detailed exploration of English history, tracing the turbulent story of the entire course of English history from its beginnings in the Ice Age to the present day. It offers a fascinating insight into the lives of people living in the Salisbury area throughout different time periods, from hunter-gatherer times to modern-day England. Despite its length and complexity, readers found the book to be an absorbing and insightful read that delves deep into the local history surrounding Stonehenge and Salisbury.

Characters:

The characters are often viewed as archetypal and lack depth, leading to a sense of repetitiveness across generations.

Writing/Prose:

The prose tends to be functional and straightforward, focusing more on historical detail than literary finesse.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot encompasses a sweeping narrative of Salisbury's history through the lives of five families over thousands of years.

Setting:

The setting is largely rooted in Salisbury, covering extensive time periods and reflecting the region's historical evolution.

Pacing:

The pacing varies significantly, with certain sections providing rich detail while others rush through important events.

Notes:

The novel Sarum is 1,033 pages long and covers England's history from the end of the Ice Age to the present day.

It follows five lineages throughout history, starting from 9,500 years ago.

Sarum blends historical facts with fictional narratives, creating a unique storytelling format.

The story includes significant events like the building of Stonehenge and the Salisbury Cathedral.

Multiple characters are connected to the same families across generations, often sharing similar traits.

The writing style is described as clunky or uneven by some readers, despite the extensive research behind it.

Major themes include the impact of different cultures, religions, wars, and pandemics over centuries.

The book is divided into 19 sections, resembling interconnected novellas rather than traditional chapters.

Some critiques highlight that characters often feel stereotypical or underdeveloped.

There are engaging stories about various periods, including the Roman invasion and the Black Death, and notable individual chapters are praised.

Despite mixed reviews on character depth, the book successfully offers a broad perspective on English history.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes related to historical violence, exposure to disease (such as the Black Death), and sociopolitical conflicts, which could be distressing for some readers.

Has Romance?

There is a moderate level of romance present throughout the novel, intertwined with the historical narratives and characters' lives.

From The Publisher:

A masterpiece of breathtaking scope-a brilliantly conceived epic novel that traces the entire turbulent course of English history

This rich tapestry weaves a compelling saga of five families-the Wilsons, the Masons, the family of Porteus, the Shockleys, and the Godfreys-who reflect the changing character of Britain. As their fates and fortunes intertwine over the course of the centuries, their greater destinies offer a fascinating glimpse into the future. An absorbing historical chronicle, Sarum is a keen tale of struggle and adventure, a profound human drama, and a magnificent work of sheer storytelling.

Praise for Sarum

"Bursts with action, encyclopedic in historic detail . . . supremely well crafted and a delight to read."-Chicago Tribune

"A fascinating journey . . . a clear yet sparkling window upon history with a superb narrative, so perfectly balanced between history and fiction that it clears away the mists of time from antiquity, giving the reader the impression that events over a span of ten centuries occurred only yesterday."-Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Strong . . . appealing . . . I haven't read so satisfactory a saga in years . . . in fact, perhaps not ever before. . . . It gives you not only history but comfort."-Chicago Sun-Times

"[Edward] Rutherfurd holds us all consistently intrigued. In Sarum he has created a splendid novel that will bring many hours of diversified reading pleasure."-The Plain Dealer

"A richly imagined vision of history, written with genuine delight."-San Francisco Chronicle

"Rutherfurd is at his best. . . . His storytelling skills are substantial. . . . One of the best books of the season."-Kansas City Star

"Absorbing . . . a superior historical novel . . . This blockbuster saga should appeal to discriminating readers, since Rutherfurd has an excellent grasp of his subject and a compelling story to tell."-Publishers Weekly

1987

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896 pages

Ratings (17)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (9)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (43):

Read It (18)
Want To Read (18)
Not Interested (7)

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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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