Having read some of Follett's other books (the Kingsbridge series, Eye of the Needle, etc.), I began The Century Trilogy series. What began as a fascinating read in books one and two, turned in to complete disappointment in book three. My mother's forefathers were coalminers in Wales, prior to immigrating to America, so I was captivated by characters who may have lived very similar lives to those who came before me. Given that I was not yet born during the early twentieth century, I took for granted the accuracy of quite a bit of Ken Follett's world view while I was reading his books. I knew there were atrocities committed against the working class in the UK and America during the early periods of the books, so I assumed much of his research to be correct. I have always been very open to the idea that different political parties owed their necessity to the time and place in which they were needed.
Unfortunately by the time I had read most of the third book, I realized Follett was an extremist in his socialist, political beliefs, especially with regard to American politics. I am an Independent, and I hate reading anything so far left and so far right, when it provides no basis for reality. I would rather see both the warts and the dimples, rather than be told a fairy tale of half-truths. His viewpoint is very singular in his condemnation for all things Republican, and nothing but praise for all Democrats; even to the extent that he gives Pope John Paul II's great success in Poland to President Carter...utterly ridiculous. Follett praises by intimating Carter's dealings with the communists was "cautious", yet Reagan was supposed to take on the Kremlin during the Solidarity movement perfectly exhibits the bias in his writing.
As I was reading the book, I reflected that all of the Follett books I had ever read, prior to the Century Trilogy were period pieces from a time I had not lived; however, "Edge of Eternity" covered a place in time I know very well. His revisionism of more modern times has left me bereft of any pleasure for reading the first two books. If I can't trust his completely biased viewpoint of modern history, than how can I trust any of his research. Unless you want to read a socialist manifesto, concealed in the vein of storytelling, I would strongly recommend you not purchase any of the books in this series. As for me, I will not be buying another Follett book. It really is sad, because I would have loved to find an author who would have me explore my Welsh heritage.
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