Ok, George as a young black American with a heart for justice would be right in the middle of the civil rights struggle and his government position would give him access to the Kennedys. His other problem has been getting a character in place for each huge historical moment a task he accomplishes with varying success. There are moments when I engage with the characters (the Freedom Ride bus ridden by civil rights activists through the southern states for instance) but some of the occupants of Book 3 seem more like windows through which Ken accesses historical events rather than fleshed out people. I even admire his intention of writing a mammoth hist fict encompassing the violent and world-changing vacillations of the 20th century but for me this trilogy (and this third instalment in particular) hasn't been his finest hour.

I really feel I should start this review by asserting that I am actually a big Ken Follett fan and have loved so much of his previous work. What of the Dvorkin twins in Russia? Tania and Dimka may have differing ideas on how to effect change but storm clouds are hanging over them - and the rest of the world - as an island off the coast of America gathers prominence. Meanwhile in America George Jakes has ideals and strong convictions that will take him past the metaphorical draw bridge into the echelons of a modern day Camelot. What the Hoffmann-Francks don't realise is that things are about to get a lot worse, partially due to the treacherous influence of someone they all once trusted. For others such as Rebecca Hoffmann and Walli Franck, living in East Germany means other priorities and, indeed, worries. The story baton is passed to the next generation as the swinging 60s arrive for people like Dave Williams.

Follett trilogy