Winter of the World by Ken Follett

Berlin in 1933 is in upheaval. Eleven-year-old Carla von Ulrich struggles to understand the tensions disrupting her family as Hitler strengthens his grip on Germany. Into this turmoil steps her mother’s formidable friend and former British MP, Ethel Leckwith, and her student son, Lloyd, who soon learns for himself the brutal reality of Nazism.

Lloyd also encounters a group of Germans resolved to oppose Hitler – but are they willing to go so far as to betray their country? Such people are closely watched by Volodya, a Russian with a bright future in Red Army Intelligence.

The international clash of military power and personal beliefs that ensues will sweep over them all as it rages from Cable Street in London’s East End to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, from Spain to Stalingrad, from Dresden to Hiroshima.

At Cambridge Lloyd is irresistibly drawn to dazzling American socialite Daisy Peshkov, who represents everything his left-wing family despise. But Daisy is more interested in aristocratic Boy Fitzherbert – amateur pilot, party lover and leading light of the British Union of Fascists.

Back in Berlin, Carla worships golden boy Werner from afar. But nothing will work out the way they expect as their lives and the hopes of the world are smashed by the greatest and cruellest war in the history of the human race.

WINTER OF THE WORLD is the second novel in the uniquely ambitious and deeply satisfying ‘Century’ trilogy.

*****

“Just as potent, engrossing, and prolix as the opening opus, Fall of Giants. [Follett’s] dedication and ability to keep so many plots spinning while delivering a story that educates, entertains…Will leave fans eagerly awaiting the trilogy’s crowning capstone.” —Publishers Weekly

“Follett’s storytelling is unobtrusive and workmanlike…he spins a reasonable and readable yarn that embraces dozens of characters and plenty of Big Picture history.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Follett never lets the action lag as he adeptly ties together all the sweeping economic, cultural, political, and social transformations of the entire era.” —Booklist

*****

Ken Follett burst onto the book world in 1978 with EYE OF THE NEEDLE, a taut and original thriller with a memorable woman character in the central role. The book won the Edgar award and became an outstanding film.

He went on to write four more bestselling thrillers: TRIPLE; THE KEY TO REBECCA; THE MAN FROM ST. PETERSBURG; and LIE DOWN WITH LIONS.

He also wrote ON WINGS OF EAGLES, the true story of how two employees of Ross Perot were rescued from Iran during the revolution of 1979. This book was made into a miniseries.

He then surprised readers by radically changing course with THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH, a novel about building a cathedral in the Middle Ages. Published in September 1989 to rave reviews, it was on the New York Times bestseller list for eighteen weeks. It also reached the No. 1 position on lists in Canada, Great Britain and Italy, and was on the German bestseller list for six years.

To learn more about Ken, please visit his website.