Who Would Like This Book:
If sprawling historical sagas are your thing, "The Forest" is a total treat. Rutherfurd blends folklore, rich local British history, and intricate multi-generational family drama all set in the enchanting New Forest of Hampshire. You’ll learn about noble families, poachers, witches, politics, and even environmental themes. This is perfect for fans of Ken Follett, James Michener, or anyone who loves to be immersed in centuries of well-researched historical fiction (with minimal romance). If you crave atmospheric settings and marvel at the way places shape people, you’ll enjoy this one.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you prefer fast-moving, plot-driven stories or want lots of famous historical figures front and center, this might not be your cup of tea. Some readers found the book heavy on description and light on action, with long stretches focused on setting rather than character. The interlocking stories and huge time jumps can make it feel like you're reading a series of loosely connected short stories instead of one epic tale. And at nearly 900 pages, it’s quite a commitment - so if you’re easily daunted by tomes, beware!
About:
The Forest by Edward Rutherfurd is a historical fiction novel that spans 900 years, focusing on the New Forest in England. The book follows the lives of various families inhabiting the area, from the time of King Rufus to modern times. Through interconnected short stories, readers learn about the history, legends, and societal changes that have shaped the New Forest over the centuries. Rutherfurd's writing style is praised for its rich detail, vivid descriptions of landscapes, and the way it weaves historical events into the narrative.
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Has Romance?
There are elements of romance interspersed throughout the stories, but they are not the primary focus of the narrative.
From The Publisher:
"AS ENTERTAINING AS SARUM AND RUTHERFURD'S OTHER SWEEPING NOVEL OF BRITISH HISTORY, LONDON."
-The Boston Globe
"Engaging . . . A sprawling tome that combines fact with fiction and covers 900 years in the history of New Forest, a 100,000-acre woodland in southern England . . . Rutherfurd sketches the histories of six fictional families, ranging from aristocrats to peasants, who have lived in the forest for generations. . . . But the real success is in how Rutherfurd paints his picture of the wooded enclave with images of treachery and violence, as well as magic and beauty."
-The New York Post
"THE FOREST IS MICHENER TOLD WITH AN ENGLISH ACCENT."
-St. Louis Post-Dispatch
"TALES OF LOVE AND HONOR, DECEIT AND VIOLENCE, INHERITANCE AND LOSS."
-San Jose Mercury News
Ratings (3)
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Reader Stats (8):
Read It (5) | |
Want To Read (3) |
What can you read after
The Forest?
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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