Have read 3 of Follett historical fictions never having read a book with more than 500 pages before. Thoroughly enjoyable and at moments felt I was right there in the moment. I bought his latest historical picture hoping I would become totally engaged as I had with the others. I felt for the first time a weakness in the authors commitment to a story line about such an historic event.

Unlike most of the characters in the book with all their natural flaws and weaknesses I felt a slight betrayal. I quickly looked to the year it was written and then realized the author had caved to the moral and political pressures of today's modern storyline. With that said I thoroughly enjoyed most of the characters and the strength of those brave and resilient characters that go threw life with little fanfare who have played a role in changing shaping history for the good....will be a little more cautious when purchasing another of his novels.