Rating: 
Summary: Something of a Disappointment
Review: I've read all Rutherford's books, starting with the wonderful "Sarum" and "Russka," then "London" (which seemed to me to be interesting but slightly stale) and, now, "The Forest." I suspect he's written too much, too quickly, because he uses the identical plot devices for each of his novels but the originalty of his stories is now beginning to suffer.In each case, you start WAAAAAY back when in history (usually Stone Age) and work your way up to the present through a series of interesting vignettes or snapshots of human-interest stories set periodically through the history of the specific place. James Michener, of course, perfected this technique, and Rutherford is never less than interesting in his version. But ...somehow, by "The Forest," it just didn't seem to me that he had that much to say. The book felt repetitive, as if I was simply reading rifs on his earlier English books. Oh, yeah, another Norman-vs-Saxon episode, another Augustan Age seque, etc. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure you'll enjoy this book if you've never read him before, but I'd certainly recommend any of his earlier works ahead of this one. He feels, somehow, like he's gone formula on us.
Rating: 
Summary: A book to savor
Review: It's been slow going with 'The Forest', but some of it could be intentional. Edward Rutherfurd's latest offering is truly something to read and savor. This book (there's no other way to describe it) is composed of eight stories (and an epilouge) that vary in length and follow generations of families--everyone from gentry to poor commoners who've been on the land since the beginning. Contrary to some of his other work, I was captivated in all of the stories. Most are no more than 50 or 60 pages long, so the form of the plot is quick-paced and literal. Longer stories (the longest being 'Albion Park') cover larger blocks of time and can be excruciatingly slow. You keep waiting to come upon some action, while Rutherfurd is sweetly biding his time with his wonderful descriptions. However, if you try to hurry through any of the stories, you'll find yourself lost and confused because you missed a precious detail. Rutherfurd's storytelling is unmatched. The climax of the plot can fill your stomach with butterflies. He also manages to skirt the "big" events in England's history, never directly putting his characters in a traumatic and dramatic period. (The closest he comes is the Spanish Armada.) He effectively describes everyday life for people and animals of the New Forest. 'The Forest' is most similar to 'Russka: The Story of Russia' to me. Both use a more saga-like form, careful to show the outcomes of the families as well as the setting. It is also the only English book of his I've been able to read (I couldn't bear trudging through 'London', which has been prasied as his best work). I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Rutherfurd's work or is interested in a historical fiction/saga-like epic.
Rating:
Summary: The Forest - Edward Rutherfurd
Review: A novel that spans a period of 1000 years in a small region of England? The premise sounded original and I was willing to rely on my love of history carrying me through. And you know what? I got more that I expected out of this book.
Having not read any other titles by Rutherfurd, I had no previous experience of his style and though curiosity led me at first, I was soon hooked.
Following the fortunes of six families through the years, most notably the Albions, Rutherfurd not only relates a series of great stories, he also tells the history and politics of England's New Forest, and the life of its deer and famous oaks. The characterisation is strong, both heros and heroines are well drawn, from the Norman noblewoman Adela de la Roche to the mysterious Puckle and his many equally mysterious descendents. All in all, a pretty damn good book. The chapter 'Albion Park' left me with a craving for Jane Austen again and as a whole leaving me with a strong inclination to read some more of Edward Rutherfurd's work some time soon.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic read!
Review: I was a little wary the first time I picked up this book. I was hooked just a few pages in, and finished the entire novel in less than a week, thirsting for more. Rutherford does a great job of making you care and love (or loathe) his characters. A must for anyone who enjoys reading.
Rating:
Summary: Rutherfurd's best so far.
Review: "The New Forest," set aside as a royal game preserve (or to be more accurate, as a royal deer farm) by William the Conqueror, comes to life through six of the families inhabiting it in Edward Rutherfurd's fourth novel. Opening and closing with a framing story set in 2000, the book's seven intervening chapters span the years from 1099 until then. Each chapter is a self-contained tale that covers a generation or two, telling the lives of the principal families - and the changes that time, technology, and politics bring to their beloved Forest. I'm fascinated, after finishing this book, to go back to its preface and discover that the Austen-like feel of "Albion Park" may be partly due to the author's use of a real-life incident to craft its turning point. That incident, it seems, happened to Jane Austen's aunt! Both "Albion Park" and the chapter following it, "Pride of the Forest," show Rutherfurd's characters acting within the tight cultural boundaries of their time and place - and yet, like Austen's people, they manage to transcend those boundaries. To show themselves fully, and timelessly - *human.* Even the women! After reading all four of Rutherfurd's novels, I don't hesitate to call this one his best. My one criticism is that I found the end of its framing story something of an anticlimax. However, that's nowhere near sufficient to keep me from giving it the top rating it otherwise richly deserves.
Rating: 
Summary: Not quite Sarum
Review: Gave an excellent picture of "The Forest" but it seems that the author got tired about 3/4s of the way through and then found his 2nd wind for the final sprint.
Rating:
Summary: The sustainibility of the human spirit!
Review: Another intriguing novel by Edward Rutherfurd Through the eyes of the ancient forest near Bath, Rutherfurd takes us through the generations, exploring the great conflicts in English history such as Norman vs. Saxon, Merchant vs. Nobleman, Catholic vs. Protestant, Royalist vs. Cromwellian and Industrialist vs. Conservationist.
He does this through sympathetically tracing the lives people down the generations of seven families: The Albions, the Martells, the Prides, the Seagulls, the Puckles, the Furzeys and the Grockletons. We read about waxing and waning fortunes and about ongoing family feuds, but always the main interest is through the people themselves of who's trials and tribulations we read about: The experiences of a young Norman noblewoman, Adela De La Roche in 'The Hunt', the Monk, Brother Adam, struggling with the love of a woman, Mary Furzey, in Beuleau. The tragic tale of Alice Lisle, caught up in the political turbulence of the 17 th. Century England of the Stuarts and Cromwell, in Alice , and the pain and redemption of the young lady , Fanny Albion , in 'Albion Park'. Always to the backdrop of The Forest, and its varied life, it celebrates nature and the irrepressible strength of humanity. An exciting and interesting read.
Rating:
Summary: A Work of Art
Review: As I neared the end of "The Forest", a sadness moved over me as I realized that the wonderful journey through time in the forest was coming to an end. This is not just a book, it is an adventure into moments in history in a region of England not often covered. Rutherford has perfected the ability to tell stories of ancestry while incorporating beautifully described periods of English history into his tales. There are chapters in this book that are profound. The story of Alice, her heirs and ancestors, is a personal favorite. However, each chapter brings new twists and complications to the evolving families. For me,"Sarum" is still my favorite of Rutherfor's books but "The Forest" is very close. It is another brilliant effort and worthy of the highest praise.
Rating:
Summary: Pretty damn good!
Review: I't obvious from Rutherford's earlier works what he feels passionate about... and "London" ain't it, although it's a great book, too.
In "Sarum", his first book, he is personally involved with the landscape of what he writes about (as he was born and raised there), and in "Russka" (his second) it is obvious he has a passion for the Russian people. Later, in "London" it seems as though he feels compelled to write about this colorful city, but has no real passion for the place, as he borrows from previously published works (as he does with "Russka"- but with a preordained zeal that one must have to really write about the area in question.)
In "The Forest", Rutherfurd once again captures the passion he once held as an historical fictionist in "Sarum", and places himself foremost among the "greats" of historical literature. "The Forest" is full of original characters and complex motives, together with original plots and great stories.
Apparent as with all other Rutherfurd works is the detailed family tree at the begining of the book, as well as informtive maps as to the region.
Readers of historical fiction will find this book to be Rutherfurd at his high peak of form. It is engrossing, addictive and entertaining.
Highly recommended! Two thumbs up!
Rating:
Summary: Great Stories
Review: I thought this book would be disappointing, but I couldn't put it down. For everyone who loves historical genre.
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