Ken Follett's Fall of Giants is praised for its immersive storytelling and vivid historical detail, making it a compelling read for fans of epic sagas. Critics highlight its well-researched backdrop and intricate plot. However, some find the numerous characters challenging to follow and the pacing uneven at times. Overall, it's a well-regarded historical novel with minor drawbacks.

Readers who enjoy historical epics like Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth or Edward Rutherfurd's Sarum will relish Fall of Giants. Fans of multi-generational sagas with rich historical details, complex characters, and intertwining storylines set during pivotal events in history will be captivated.

Fall of Giants by Ken Follett is a historical novel that follows the lives of five interconnected families from Wales, Germany, America, and Russia during World War I, the Russian Revolution, and the women’s suffrage movement, highlighting the social and political upheavals of the early 20th century and the impact of war on individuals from different backgrounds and nations. 

Contains detailed depictions of wartime violence and trauma.

Informative / Suspenseful / Emotional / Gritty

- Fall of Giants is the first book in Ken Follett's ambitious Century Trilogy, which spans much of the 20th century's significant historical events.
- Ken Follett carried out extensive research for Fall of Giants, including traveling to various locations depicted in the book to ensure geographical and historical accuracy.
- The novel was translated into numerous languages soon after its release, highlighting its global appeal and the universal themes it addresses.

**Billy Williams**  
Known as "Billy Twice" or "Billy with Jesus," he is a natural leader from Aberowen, Wales. He rises from a miner's son to a respected leader in the war and eventually becomes a Member of Parliament.

**Ethel Leckwith (nee Williams)**  
Ethel, Billy's sister, is a strong-willed and intelligent leader. She is involved in social reform, particularly concerning women's rights and workers' conditions, and she becomes an influential editor and campaigner.

**Lady Maud Von Ulrich (nee Fitzherbert)**  
An aristocrat passionate about social justice and women's rights, Maud defies societal norms by marrying a German and working towards peace and suffrage. She runs a clinic for unwed mothers and a publication for soldiers' wives.

**Earl Fitzherbert (‘Fitz’)**  
A wealthy and traditional aristocrat, Fitz is resistant to social change and believes in the primacy of aristocratic rule. He holds a leadership position in the army and manages operations against revolutionary forces.

**Grigori Peshkov**  
A Russian of humble origins who rises through his intelligence and leadership in the Bolshevik movement. He takes care of his brother Lev and is dedicated to the revolutionary cause in Russia.

**Walter Von Ulrich**  
A German aristocrat who opposes the war and favors diplomacy. Married to Maud, he navigates secretive diplomatic missions and military leadership during the war.

**Gus Dewar**  
An American political aide working closely with President Woodrow Wilson. He grows from a socially awkward young man into a mature and capable leader, balancing his personal relationships and professional duties.

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