Is “The Evening and the Morning”: Kingsbridge Prequel any good

Ken Follett’s The Evening and the Morning is a masterful prequel to the Kingsbridge series, offering readers a captivating journey into a medieval England torn by Viking invasions

Synopsis: The Evening And The Morning

Set in 997 AD , Ken Follett’s novel explores the change from the Dark Ages to the Middle Ages.

Weaving a rich tapestry of ambition, resilience, and survival in an era marked by violence and social upheaval.

The king’s control over England is tenuous, leaving England vulnerable to chaos and Viking raids shattering peoples lives.

Characters

At the heart of this historical epic are three characters whose fates become inextricably linked.

Edgar, a young and talented boat builder. Dreams of a brighter future after the Vikings ravage his village, leaving him with little but his skills and determination.

In France, Ragna, a noble Norman woman, leaves her homeland to follow her husband to England, only to find her new life far more dangerous and harsh than she ever anticipated.

Meanwhile, Aldred, a devout and ambitious monk at Shiring Abbey. Dreams of transforming his modest monastery into a place of knowledge and peace amid the barbarity of the times.

As each grapples with the harsh realities of a fractured kingdom, they face a powerful adversary: a ruthless bishop who will go to any length to increase his wealth and influence. Setting himself against their hopes and ambitions.

Together, Edgar, Ragna, and Aldred navigate a treacherous landscape of love, rivalry, betrayal, and power struggles.

In The Evening and the Morning, Follett masterfully sets the stage for The Pillars of the Earth, showing how England evolved from the Dark Ages into a more ordered society.

With a deep sense of historical detail and a compelling cast, this prequel immerses readers in a world on the brink of change, where individual dreams and sacrifices will help shape a new era.

Review: The Evening And The Morning

The Evening and the Morning, set in 997 AD, plunges readers into an early medieval England.

An age when it was plagued by Viking raids from the east and tensions with the Welsh from the west.

Kingsbridge Series

The novel serves as a prequel to Ken Follett’s Kingsbridge series and takes readers on an immersive journey through a brutal yet captivating world,

That is also filled with ambition, resilience, and power struggles.

Plot

In true Follett style, the story centre’s on three characters whose lives intersect. This is against a backdrop of a society shaped by the dynamics of church, state, and local lords.

The novel opens with Egbert, a young boatbuilder whose dreams are shattered in a single night as he loses both his father and the woman he loves to a Viking raid.

Forced to rebuild his life from scratch, he emerges as a symbol of resilience, determined to reclaim stability in a land fraught with peril.

Alongside him is a noble Norman woman who courageously leaves France to follow the man she loves, navigating the dangers and complexities of her new life in England.

The third central figure is an ambitious monk whose aspirations to transform his abbey into a centre of learning reflect the period’s deep-seated religious ambitions.

Together, these characters encapsulate the conflicting desires for survival, love, and power that drive the narrative forward.

Follett’s attention to detail is evident as he explores the power dynamics of the time, weaving in the interplay between church, state, and local governance.

This historical depth doesn’t overwhelm the reader, however, as Follett remains focused on his characters, whose personal relationships and ambitions form the emotional heart of the novel.

As they strive to achieve their goals, their choices impact the lives of those around them, and each action reverberates within the larger social and political structure.

Structure

Follett structures the novel with a steady rhythm, akin to driving over rolling hills. Each chapter builds on the previous one, and just when readers think they’ve reached the resolution, another twist or conflict arises. While this “episodic” pacing can make the story feel like it follows a set formula.

It also ensures that readers are never left waiting too long for the next development. Occasionally, the narrative might seem like it’s stretching for more, However every twist ultimately serves to deepen the characters’ journeys and expand the scope of the story, making the extensive page count feel justified.

The novel’s familiarity adds to its appeal, particularly for long-time Follett fans. The return to Kingsbridge feels like putting on a pair of well-loved, comfortable slippers.

The story delivers Follett’s signature immersive storytelling, while also providing new insights into why there is an abbey in Kingsbridge, or why the town received its name.

Who should read The Evening and the Morning?

Fans of the original Kingsbridge trilogy will find a satisfying backstory that enriches the lore of the series. Newcomers to Follett’s work will find this an excellent starting point, as the prequel doesn’t require any previous knowledge and allows readers to dive into the rich historical landscape of medieval England.

Finally, anyone who enjoys historical fiction beyond the usual WWII setting will find this medieval epic rewarding. Follett’s latest instalment offers a blend of historical intrigue, human drama, and the timeless struggle for survival and purpose, making The Evening and the Morning a memorable journey into the past that is well worth the investment.

Conclusion: A Rich Tapestry of History, Power, and Human Struggles

Ken Follett’s The Evening and the Morning is a masterful prequel to the Kingsbridge series, offering readers a captivating journey into a medieval England torn by Viking invasions, Welsh conflicts, and internal power struggles.

Through the intertwined lives of three compelling characters—Egbert, a resilient boatbuilder; a courageous Norman woman; and an ambitious monk—Follett explores the themes of survival, love, and ambition.

With his signature immersive storytelling and historical depth, he delivers an emotionally engaging narrative that balances personal relationships and larger political dynamics.

No matter if your a fan or new to Follett’s work, The Evening and the Morning offers an unforgettable dive into the turbulent past, making it a rewarding experience for any lover of historical fiction.

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