Winter of the World cover art

Winter of the World

Century Trilogy, Book 2

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Winter of the World

By: Ken Follett
Narrated by: John Lee
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About this listen

Winter of the World is the second novel in Ken Follett's uniquely ambitious Century trilogy. On its own or in sequence with Fall of Giants and Edge of Eternity, this is a spellbinding epic of global conflict and personal drama during World War II.

A Battle of Ideals
It is 1933 and, at Cambridge, Lloyd Williams is drawn to irresistible socialite Daisy Peshkov, who represents everything that his left-wing family despise. But Daisy is more interested in aristocratic Boy Fitzherbert, a leader in the British Union of Fascists.

An Evil Uprising
Berlin is in turmoil. Eleven-year-old Carla von Ulrich struggles to understand the tensions disrupting her family as Hitler strengthens his grip on Germany. Many are resolved to oppose Hitler’s brutal regime – but are they willing to betray their country?

A Global Conflict on a Scale Never Seen Before
Shaken by the tyranny and the prospect of war, the lives of five families become ever more enmeshed. As an international clash of military power and personal beliefs sweeps the world, what will this new war mean for those who must live through it?

Continue the captivating Century Trilogy with Edge of Eternity.

©2012 Ken Follett (P)2012 Penguin US/Macmillan Digital Audio 20th Century Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Political Spies & Politics Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction War Military Imperialism

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Critic reviews

"This book is peopled by excellent characters, both lovable and detestable, and I , along with millions of other Follett fans I’m sure – can’t wait for the third instalment of his Century trilogy to appear." (Shropshire Star)
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I have become a big fan of Ken Follett over the last couple of years. His meticulous attention to detail, and smart characterisation provide a perfect platform for this utterly compelling account of a world living through World War 2. The book is written through the eyes of individuals and their families experiencing war , both at home and on the national and international stage. Follett strikes a nice balance between describing the personal relationships and motivation of the key protagonists - alongside an excellent explanation of the key landmarks of the war. The narrative can be both tender in its description of personal relationships;; but brutally detailed in laying bare some of the most depraved chapters of human history. The characters are well drawn and on several occasions I found myself either rejoicing or weeping with them. I was left thinking how I would have responded in some of the unbearably difficult situations which the wartime generation faced.

Ken Follett at his incisive and bewitching best

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Another mammoth triumph for Ken Follett, captivating from start to finish John Lee again gives an amazing performance bringing the characters to vivid life, excellent job both.

Another mammoth triumph.

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Ken Follett again at his best weaving a grand tale of history and fiction.
Looking forward to now listening to the third instalment.

2nd episode in a great story

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would highly recommend this book to a friend as it defines the causes and consequences
of a period of 20th century history that shaped the world I grew up in.It did it in such a way that was both interesting and shocking in equal measures and although it was a very long book (over 30 hours) It kept me enthralled and on the edge of my seat from the first chapter to the last.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Winter of the World?

The most memorable moment for me was the discovery of how incompetent Joseph Stalin was, but how this was kept from most ordinary Russians by the reign of terror and subterfuge carried out by Beria and the state secret police the NKVD. He truly was a Kingmaker.

Have you listened to any of John Lee’s other performances? How does this one compare?

This is the first book I have listened to narrated by John Lee but I hope it won't be my last. the rise and fall of his voice made each character seem individual and interesting

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The most moving moment for me was the discovery by the German families of the euthanasia policy being carried out in the name of National Socialism by the Nazis on ordinary citizens who failed to meet their exacting standards

Any additional comments?

This is a long book that takes listeners on a very revealing journey. It leaps from scene to scene which sometimes left me confused, but I would urge listeners to persevere as the story is both memorable and enjoyable.

An enthralling and imformative book

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This book takes you into the Second World War giving an insight into the lives of German and Russian families caught up in the turmoil and horror of occupation and repression. Individuals trying to survive in brutal regimes and often having to find courage and bravery to help others even at the risk of being tortured or killed. Very moving portrayal of war seen from the perspective of Germans, Russians, Americans and British.

Gripping

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the narrator gives an amazing performance.a great book and storey.highly recommend this trilogy. on to the third book straight away

amazing great performance by the reader.

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A very well written story with characters that really engage and an unflinching telling of war it's politics and consequences.

brutal but very good

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good listen, feels like author attempted to be impartial. Romantic atories add a spice that helps to listen through fights

interesting overall picture

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Excellent sequel to Fall of Giants . I am about to order Edge of Eternity the last in the trilogy. Sympathy and compelling accounts of the emotional and physical trauma of a world at war. Politics of these times and people in power written in an unbiased way. The lives of the intertwined families involved in both sides were intriguing and very down to earth with characters from all levels of society from that war torn era. Complex love stories, strong characters and misguided beliefs and more... fabulous narrator.

Winter of the World

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Ken Follet basically feeds you really interesting bits of history and then makes sure you don’t get bored by popping in a sex scene here and there. And it’s better than that review makes it sound.

Better than the first instalment if he trilogy - I like a lot of these characters a great deal. As a Brit - some of the back ground to fascist and communist movements in the UK and the complicated relationship the left had with both those movements was incredibly interesting.

There’s some pretty severe content in here - if you’ve read Pillars of Earth, similar. Basically a reminder of the brutality of men in war - and how women suffer for it. Particularly in the later chapters.

Great hop skip and jump through WW2

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