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Summary: Murder and money in Victorian England
Review: Ken Follett writes two kinds of novels: good spy thrillers or good historical novels. This is the latter, a book where the reader is dipped into the subterfuge and manipulation of a major banking company in Victorian England, owned by the Pilaster family who have been haunted by an event which happened at a boarding school years ago. The plot has more twists than a corkscrew as the family's need for money and recognition plunge them into devious playing of Victorian values, ambitious plans and even murder. Hugh Pilaster, the hero of the story, has a kind of Hugh-Grantish confusion about him, even as he fights to keep the love of his life and his position in society, which is at times both endearing and annoying, and we find out more about Victorian brothels than we really want to, but other than that, a brilliant read.
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Summary: Another great read by a master storyteller
Review: This is the third Follett book I've read in a row. It all started with Pillars of the Earth, the best book I've ever read. I read A placed Called Freedom right after that and enjoyed that alot as well. And I just got finished with A Dangerous Fortune. I can't possibly say enough good things about Ken Follett. Once again, it's the characters that drive the book. He takes you on a journey with these characters through many years of their lives and you get to see how they encounter, react and truimph over adversity. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but this is another 'must read' in my opinion. His characters are varied and colorful and the relationships, from friendship to love, villainy and hatred are so genuine I couldn't help but wish that these people lived at that point in history. A wonderful read that I will no doubt enjoy again in the future.
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Summary: Another awesome book!
Review: By Ken Follett!Somehow this one slipped through the cracks! 1993 was a pretty hectic year for me, hence the delay in reading A.D.F.Anyway, this is one helluva read! The 500+ pages fly by quickly, and the characters are developed really well, I can't emphasize how great the novel is! I just finished reading it last night and I can't get it out of my mind! Pick up a copy and see for yourself!
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Summary: Absolutely Incredible
Review: This was my second book by the author, after "Night Over Water," and I was not disappointed. The two books are not similar at all, except in their quality of writing and very engaging plot. Characters are well developed and a reader can relate. "A Dangerous Fortune" has to do with English upper-class society, intrigues, banking system, inheritance issues, love, lust, deception, and more deception. A fantastic read. Highly recommend.
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Summary: absorbing read
Review: I could not put this book down once I started it. The charecterization of the villianous charecters is brilliant, you actuly marvel at thier cunning!! Despite the numerous characters, the writer manages to keep your interest in all of them. A departure from his usual WWII stories, in this case you had no idea what would happen towards the end as there was no actual historical event in the backdrop that we all know the ending to.
The only complaint I had was that the ending was rather insipid; almost like the writer was trying to hurry up and finish the book. But I find that the case with several Ken Follet's novels.
All the same a good read.
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Summary: entertaining, interesting : couldn't put it down
Review: ooow, this was a good one! great story-history,family,romance,money, greed...oh, delicious!
worth the read.
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Summary: A captivating, historical novel
Review: This book captivated me from the beginning and I loved every minute of it. The only negative I had about this book was the ending. I guess I expected some sort of surprise but was disappointed when the book ended logically. But now I realize what Follet did with this novel. Maybe if he wrote the same story now he would add a twist because those are popular now. But he didn't and I still loved this book.Dangerous Fortune tells the story of the Pilaster Bank and its fall. Most of the characters seem to be stereotypes, forced into a role by their position in society. But I soon realized that was how real life was in 19th century London. Your roll in life was largely determined by your ancestors, your profession, or your title. All characters acted like they were expected to, the loyal wives, the respected businessmen, the sons who were the heirs, but Follet shows us how they got around being respectful by gambling, visiting brothels, and lying and stealing. This book is full of intrigue and lust and greed. I liked that but I also enjoyed the educational aspect of what life was like for the upper class of England long ago. I assume Follet knows what he is talking about. I recommend this book!
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Summary: Surprising, Compelling Time Travel.
Review: I've always liked Ken Follett's stuff, but this book surprised the heck out of me. First, I didn't expect the saga of Victorian intrigue, and I didn't expect a book about bankers to be so human and compelling. Each character is expertly brought to life. Even the most hateful characters remain human and at times sympathetic. The era is very effectively brought to life without using the easy short cut of known history.
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Summary: amazing
Review: This book is one that I have not forgotten. Most books, I can hardly remember. Ken Follett rules.
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Summary: A Great Read
Review: This was a terrific read and one of those "couldn't put down" books.The Pilasters are a great London banking family whose wealth seems to be limitless.Hugh Pilaster,son of one of the junior branches of the family, witnesses the drowning of one of his schoolmates-an event which leads to the domination of the main Pilaster heir by an unscrupulous school friend, son of an infamous South American dictator.This book is a fascinating glimpse into the life of merchant bankers in Victorian England and that of their wives and families and shows how just one small event of years past can bring down an entire banking dynasty. Another interesting facet of life at that time is the difference between the outward display of decency and morality and the total decadence of life in the brothels and drug dens which were frequented by the so-called gentlemen of that era.
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