The Evening and the Morning (prequel Kingsbridge series) by Ken Follett

I read PILLARS OF THE EARTH over 30 years ago but never forgot the impact that the book had on my reading life. For many years, it was the my most recommended book of all time even though it, at over 1000 pages, it would be one of the longest most of us had read. Diving into a Kingsbridge novel, then, is definitely a commitment but assures transport to another time, another world.

This historical fiction is the 4th Follett has written in the series, but is, in fact a prequel. Within the first several pages, however, any inclination to romanticize England just after the Dark Ages should/will be immediately put aside. The fall of the Roman Empire resulted in a deterioration of Western Europe that was characterized by economic hardship, intellectual darkness, and upheaval throughout the land with many warring factions and some very poor leadership. This novel spans the time period of 997 CE to 1007 CE and describes the many social, cultural, and cognitive improvements made through great sacrifice.

The characters come alive on the pages and reflect the different classes of people that appear in a section of land that comes to be known as Kingsbridge. Some there by choice and others by coercion. At the heart of it is Edgar, the protagonist, who loses his home in Combe when Vikings raid and results in the family having to move to a very backward place called Dreng's Ferry. As always, Follett frames his novel around a builder, and Edgar's transformation of both himself and the town. A second thread in the story revolves around Lady Ragna of Cherbourg, who comes to England after marrying an ealdorman. And the third piece concerns an evil and ambitious bishop who wants power and wealth. The interaction between the three central characters forms the action and narrative. NO SPOILERS.

I thought it would take me a bit longer to read this 982-page saga, but I found it really difficult to put down and devoured it quickly. Keeping all the different characters straight is easier that way, of course, plus the events and conflicts were absorbing. Follett's research provides incredible detail and description and I found it all compelling and fascinating. After finishing it, all I could think about was revisiting POTE again even though I almost never reread a book. If you've not read any of this series, this is definitely where you should start.

I can't come to grips with how awful life must have been during that time period. Life meant nothing and the extreme deprivation and hardship is hard to read about without wincing in distaste and shuddering with disgust. Women had basically zero rights or privileges even if wealthy or noble and law and order were largely absent. It never ceases to amaze me to realize what marvelous achievements were accomplished despite all of that and just how far we all have come.

So, definitely, I highly recommend this to all fans of historical fiction and especially those who have followed this series faithfully.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking for this e-book ARC to read and review.

This is the 4th book published but is actually a prequel to Pillars of the Earth and subsequent books in the series. It could be read as a standalone but best if you read all 4.

Genre - historical fiction, setting England, after the Dark Ages