Ken Follett's The Evening and the Morning is widely praised for its rich historical detail and compelling storytelling, offering a vivid prequel to the Kingsbridge series. Critics highlight Follett's skill in creating engaging characters and intricate plots. However, some find its length and pacing challenging. Overall, it is a captivating and immersive historical epic.

The ideal reader of The Evening and the Morning by Ken Follett enjoys sweeping historical sagas rich in detail and complex characters. Enthusiasts of Follett's The Pillars of the Earth or Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall will find this prequel compelling, as it vividly captures the tumult and transformation of the Dark Ages in England.

The Evening and the Morning by Ken Follett is a historical novel set from 997 CE to 1007 CE, detailing the lives of Edgar, a boat builder, Ragna, a Norman noblewoman, and Aldred, a devoted monk. Spanning political turmoil, personal loss, and resilience, their intertwined journeys explore themes of justice, leadership, and love, culminating in Ragna and Edgar's eventual union. The book contains scenes of violence and sexual assault.

Mysterious / Gritty / Suspenseful / Dark / Adventurous

- The Evening and the Morning is a prequel to Ken Follett's highly acclaimed The Pillars of the Earth, set about 150 years earlier, around the end of the Dark Ages.
- The novel is set in the late 10th century, offering readers a vivid portrayal of life in England before the Norman Conquest, focusing on daily life, societal structures, and the burgeoning of towns.
- Ken Follett was inspired to write The Evening and the Morning after readers expressed interest in learning more about the history and formation of Kingsbridge, the fictional town central to his Kingsbridge series.

**Edgar**  
A teenage boat builder known for his intuitive understanding of woodwork and inventive problem-solving. He is deeply affected by the Viking attack that alters the trajectory of his life.

**Ragna**  
A young Norman woman characterized by her intelligence and refusal to conform to traditional gender roles. She is determined to make the most of her life despite various challenges.

**Aldred**  
A handsome and ambitious monk dedicated to learning and expanding the monastery's scriptorium. He grapples with carnal temptations while striving to fight against church corruption.

**Dreng**  
A cruel man lacking depth, whose primary role is to highlight the injustices against his enslaved people and women. He serves as a harsh contrast to Edgar's decency.

**Ma**  
Edgar's mother, whose strong sense of justice and self-sacrificial nature significantly influence her sons. She embodies resilience amidst hardship.

**Wynstan**  
A corrupt bishop and brother to Wigelm and Wilwulf, whose actions demonstrate his profound greed and manipulation of the church for personal gain.

**Wigelm**  
The thane of Combe and brother to Wynstan and Wilwulf, known for his crude behavior and lack of moral development. He is characterized by his sadistic tendencies.

**Wilwulf (Wilf)**  
The ealdorman of Shiring and an initially infatuated suitor of Ragna, known for his warrior skills. His loyalty to his brothers leads to unexpected consequences.

Ken Follett

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Kingsbridge

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The Evening and the Morning Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Wedding (997 CE)”

Part 1, Chapters 1-5

The Evening and the Morning Part 1, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 6-10

The Evening and the Morning Part 1, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 11-15

The Evening and the Morning Part 1, Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Trial (998 CE)”

Part 2, Chapters 16-20

The Evening and the Morning Part 2, Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 21-24

The Evening and the Morning Part 2, Chapters 21-24 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Murder (1001-1003 CE)”

Part 3, Chapters 25-29

The Evening and the Morning Part 3, Chapters 25-29 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 30-34

The Evening and the Morning Part 3, Chapters 30-34 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 35-37

The Evening and the Morning Part 3, Chapters 35-37 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The City (1005-1007 CE)”

Part 4, Chapters 38-40

The Evening and the Morning Part 4, Chapters 38-40 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 41 - 43

The Evening and the Morning Part 4, Chapters 41 - 43 Summary & Analysis

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The Evening and the Morning Character Analysis

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The Evening and the Morning

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