Description
The Evening and the Morning - Ken Follett - Kingsbridge Prequel
Travel back to the beginnings of Kingsbridge in The Evening and the Morning, Ken Follett's sweeping historical epic and prequel to The Pillars of the Earth.
The year is 997 CE, at the end of the Dark Ages.
England is a dangerous and divided land. The king's control is fragile, Viking raiders threaten coastal settlements and powerful local rulers compete for wealth and influence.
Edgar, a talented young boatbuilder, dreams of building a better life with the woman he loves. But a devastating Viking attack destroys his home and forces his family to begin again.
Ragna, a Norman noblewoman, travels to England after falling in love with an English lord. She soon discovers that her new home is governed by customs, rivalries and power structures very different from those she has known.
At Shiring Abbey, the intelligent and idealistic monk Aldred dreams of transforming a humble religious community into a respected centre of learning.
Their lives gradually become connected as each encounters Bishop Wynstan, a ruthless and ambitious churchman determined to increase his family's wealth and political influence.
Across years of conflict, ambition, love and betrayal, these characters struggle to build better lives in a society where power often belongs to those willing to use violence and corruption to obtain it.
As England slowly moves from the Dark Ages toward the Middle Ages, the foundations are laid for the world readers will later encounter in The Pillars of the Earth.
Combining large-scale history with interconnected personal stories, The Evening and the Morning explores power, religion, justice, ambition and the development of medieval society.
Perfect for readers who enjoy epic historical fiction, medieval England, Viking-age stories and sweeping family sagas.
Why You'll Love It
- Prequel to The Pillars of the Earth
- Part of Ken Follett's bestselling Kingsbridge series
- Set in England beginning in 997 CE
- Explores the origins of the Kingsbridge world
- Features Viking raids and Anglo-Saxon England
- Rich medieval historical setting
- Interconnected characters and family stories
- Strong themes of ambition, power and justice
- Explores medieval religion and political influence
- Epic historical storytelling
- Ideal for fans of World Without End
- Substantial 928-page historical novel
- Perfect starting point if reading Kingsbridge chronologically