Janet Bestmann

I have just finished the read and I am very impressed. I like fantasy, however this was so much more. Credible characters, an involving storyline, with believable dilemmas. I have particularly enjoyed the focus on the questions of life....legacy and what that means, what is life and living, what would you 'sell your soul for '. What would be important to you at the end of life. Lots to ponder. There was no predictability in the read. It was excellent as a read, and as food for thought.

I started the read in anticipation, and by the end, I felt it had been hard work. It was a history book mascarading as good read. So disappointed. Follets research is quality, no one could fault his dedication to detail, but the characters were one dimensional, stereotypical and their sole task was to represent an element of society of the time . I was not entranced by knowing everything about weaving, and looms. I wanted a story with a focus on real people who battled their flaws and showed their strengths. But no, I got a history of the industrial age...so not my interest area .