From Bloody Mary to Guy Fawkes, this sweeping 16th (to early 17th) Century saga brings us through it all one step away from the people of historic fame—in the eyes and experiences of an original cast of religiously convicted and deeply conflicted characters. 

 

You’d think these stories in history are far so removed our emotions would be hardened to the truths of long ago losses, but as QEI took her last breath, with Ned saying ‘we were all pygmies, and she was a giant we were privileged to serve’, I too shed a tear for a monarch 400 years dead as if I was standing at her bedside as one of her beloved faithful. 

 

These books are so flipping long, but I do so love Follett’s writing…