The Evening and the Morning: A Novel (Kingsbridge Book 4)
An Amazon Best Book of 2020
A thrilling and addictive new novel--a prequel to The Pillars of the Earth--set in England at the dawn of a new era: the Middle Ages
"Just as transporting as [The Pillars of the Earth] . . . A most welcome addition to the Kingsbridge series." --The Washington Post
It is 997 CE, the end of the Dark Ages. England is facing attacks from the Welsh in the west and the Vikings in the east. Those in power bend justice according to their will, regardless of ordinary people and often in conflict with the king. Without a clear rule of law, chaos reigns.
In these turbulent times, three characters find their lives intertwined. A young boatbuilder's life is turned upside down when the only home he's ever known is raided by Vikings, forcing him and his family to move and start their lives anew in a small hamlet where he does not fit in. . . . A Norman noblewoman marries for love, following her husband across the sea to a new land, but the customs of her husband's homeland are shockingly different, and as she begins to realize that everyone around her is engaged in a constant, brutal battle for power, it becomes clear that a single misstep could be catastrophic. . . . A monk dreams of transforming his humble abbey into a center of learning that will be admired throughout Europe. And each in turn comes into dangerous conflict with a clever and ruthless bishop who will do anything to increase his wealth and power.
Thirty years ago, Ken Follett published his most popular novel, The Pillars of the Earth. Now, Follett's masterful new prequel The Evening and the Morning takes us on an epic journey into a historical past rich with ambition and rivalry, death and birth, love and hate, that will end where The Pillars of the Earth begins.
In Ken Follett's "The Evening and the Morning: A Novel (Kingsbridge Book 4)", readers are transported back to the vibrant world of Kingsbridge, a town that has witnessed centuries of dramatic events. The story unfolds during the tumultuous 16th century, a time of religious upheaval, political intrigue, and societal transformation.
The narrative begins in 1567, as England teeters on the precipice of religious war. Queen Elizabeth I's reign is challenged by powerful Catholic forces, led by the formidable Duke of Norfolk. Amidst this turmoil, Ned Willard, a young man from Kingsbridge, finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue and danger.
Ned's life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes a reluctant participant in a plot to assassinate the Queen. As he navigates the treacherous waters of conspiracy, Ned encounters a cast of compelling characters, including a beautiful young woman named Margery Fitzgerald, whose own destiny is intertwined with his.
As the novel progresses, Ned and Margery find themselves caught up in a series of thrilling adventures, spanning from the opulent palaces of London to the windswept coast of Cornwall. Along the way, they encounter historical figures such as William Cecil, the Queen's chief advisor, and Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester, whose ambitions may threaten the stability of the realm.
With his signature storytelling prowess, Ken Follett weaves a tapestry of historical fiction that brings the Tudor era to life. "The Evening and the Morning" is a captivating tale of love, betrayal, and the unyielding spirit of those who dare to stand against the forces of darkness. It is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those seeking a thrilling and immersive reading experience.
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