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The Evening and the Morning

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

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Ken Follett

The Evening and the Morning

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

913

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

England • 10th century

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Evening and the Morning by Ken Follett is a historical novel set from 997 CE to 1007 CE, detailing the lives of Edgar, a boat builder, Ragna, a Norman noblewoman, and Aldred, a devoted monk. Spanning political turmoil, personal loss, and resilience, their intertwined journeys explore themes of justice, leadership, and love, culminating in Ragna and Edgar's eventual union. The book contains scenes of violence and sexual assault.

Mysterious

Gritty

Suspenseful

Dark

Adventurous

Reviews & Readership

4.5

186,765 ratings

90%

Loved it

8%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Ken Follett's The Evening and the Morning is widely praised for its rich historical detail and compelling storytelling, offering a vivid prequel to the Kingsbridge series. Critics highlight Follett's skill in creating engaging characters and intricate plots. However, some find its length and pacing challenging. Overall, it is a captivating and immersive historical epic.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Evening and the Morning?

The ideal reader of The Evening and the Morning by Ken Follett enjoys sweeping historical sagas rich in detail and complex characters. Enthusiasts of Follett's The Pillars of the Earth or Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall will find this prequel compelling, as it vividly captures the tumult and transformation of the Dark Ages in England.

4.5

186,765 ratings

90%

Loved it

8%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Edgar

A teenage boat builder known for his intuitive understanding of woodwork and inventive problem-solving. He is deeply affected by the Viking attack that alters the trajectory of his life.

A young Norman woman characterized by her intelligence and refusal to conform to traditional gender roles. She is determined to make the most of her life despite various challenges.

A handsome and ambitious monk dedicated to learning and expanding the monastery's scriptorium. He grapples with carnal temptations while striving to fight against church corruption.

A cruel man lacking depth, whose primary role is to highlight the injustices against his enslaved people and women. He serves as a harsh contrast to Edgar's decency.

Edgar's mother, whose strong sense of justice and self-sacrificial nature significantly influence her sons. She embodies resilience amidst hardship.

A corrupt bishop and brother to Wigelm and Wilwulf, whose actions demonstrate his profound greed and manipulation of the church for personal gain.

The thane of Combe and brother to Wynstan and Wilwulf, known for his crude behavior and lack of moral development. He is characterized by his sadistic tendencies.

The ealdorman of Shiring and an initially infatuated suitor of Ragna, known for his warrior skills. His loyalty to his brothers leads to unexpected consequences.

Book Details
Pages

913

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

England • 10th century

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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