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Winter of the World

A Gripping Epic From The Number One Bestselling Author

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Winter of the World

By: Ken Follett
Narrated by: John Lee
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Winter of the World is the second novel in Ken Follett's uniquely ambitious Century trilogy. On its own or read 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.

20th Century Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Political Spies & Politics Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction War Military Imperialism
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Continue the series

Edge of Eternity cover art
Edge of Eternity By: Ken Follett

Critic reviews

Gripping . . . powerful
A consistently compelling portrait of a world in crisis
This book is truly epic . . . The reader will probably wish there was a thousand more pages.
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I'm a Ken Follett historical history fan from way back. There has never been anything other than a well-researched, brilliant novel. John Lee narrates the books like they were written for him. But Winter of the World has proved even Ken Follett can outdo himself! This should be required reading for history classes in England and the U.S. I have never been a real fan of the history of WWII but this was the easiest and most captivating history lesson I have ever had. Couldnt stop listening. You just cannot go wrong with this book it's a real winner.

Winter of the World

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This book is so well written and transported me into the war-torn times in Germany, Russia, Britain and America. I have got to know the characters - (I re-read the first book in the trilogy before starting this - the second).

My problem is that I now have such a heavy heart - feeling as if I was 'there'. Such desolation and cruelty made me weep.

So, my reason for my troubled review, is that I was absolutely hooked- yet at the same time I could not carry on listening and had to give it a rest frequently. Excellently drawn characters that I grew to love - (or hate) such detailed insights into behaviour during the war - this really is a brilliant book - but I just feel SO sad.

John Lee reads well, and adds to the story.

Difficult review to write.

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Loved this book, all emotions felt whilst listening. John Lee read this brilliantly putting in all the different accents. This is my 2nd Ken Follett book, the first being Fall of Giants, its certainly left me wanting to read / listen more.

Brilliant

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spellbinding story . funny and tragic. historically interesting. Well read by a brilliant actor. can't wait for the next in the trilogy

brilliant

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Spanning years and continents, this book brings modern history to life. By combining multiple points of view on politics, religion, intrigue, love and the ties of family and country, Ken Follett explores some of the greatest and most terrible events of the 20th century. His characters leap from the words, and their stories, set against the background of WW I, will stay with you long after the final sentence has ended.

Expertly read by John Lee, "Winter of the World" grips you from the first and carries you through to the end. It might be a long listen, but it is worth every second.

A well crafted epic

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