Winter of the World by Ken Follett (2012): Summary of the Book
Ken Follett’s 2012 novel Winter of the World is the second book in his Century Trilogy, following the international bestseller Fall of Giants. The novel is an epic historical saga set during World War II, spanning from 1939 to 1949. It follows the lives of five interrelated families – American, German, Russian, English, and Welsh – as they experience the war and its aftermath.
Plot Summary
The novel begins in 1939 on the eve of World War II. We follow the five families as they live through the war’s major events, such as the Blitz, Pearl Harbor, the Battle of the Atlantic, and the Holocaust. Through the eyes of the characters, we experience the war’s devastation and its effects on the world as a whole.
The five families are deeply affected by the war – some are forced to flee their homes to escape persecution, while others are separated from their loved ones. Through the hardships of war, however, the characters are able to find strength in their relationships with one another and in their determination to survive.
As the war ends, the characters must face the challenges of rebuilding their lives. The novel follows them as they struggle to come to terms with the losses they have suffered and the changes that have taken place in their lives and relationships.
Interesting Facts
- Winter of the World became an international bestseller and was a New York Times bestseller for several weeks.
- The novel was a 2012 Goodreads Choice Award Finalist in the Historical Fiction category.
- The novel was adapted into a television miniseries in 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the plot of Winter of the World by Ken Follett?
A: Winter of the World is a historical saga set during World War II, spanning from 1939 to 1949. It follows the lives of five interrelated families – American, German, Russian, English, and Welsh – as they experience the war and its aftermath.
Q: What are some interesting facts about the novel?
A: Winter of the World became an international bestseller and was a New York Times bestseller for several weeks. The novel was a 2012 Goodreads Choice Award Finalist in the Historical Fiction category. It was also adapted into a television miniseries in 2013.
Q: When was the novel released?
A: Winter of the World was released in 2012.