The Man from St. Petersburg

I have loved many of Ken Follett's books but I was very disappointed in this "historical" novel. Very predictable plot, very poorly developed characters -- talk about one-dimensional and stereo-typical characterizations. After an interesting beginning this really got maudlin. The Russian unemotional anarchist whose heart melts just as you expect it, the well meaning and ultimately kind, English Lord and the idiotic female characters. I realize that authors take liberties and it is fiction, but please, some consistency or at least a semblance of reality in your characters. I only finished this book because once I start to read a book I do want to finish it. I wonder if Follett just cut and pasted some of his out-takes and grafted them on this historical time at the beginning of WWI. Several

This is an excellent page-turner mystery and thriller using the backdrop of pre-WW 1 in Britain, but with a twist involving Russian Czarist and British aristocracy. If you're into early twentieth century history, and how things actually get done at the highest levels of governments, this is a great choice for your reading. Follett is a master mystery story-teller with very few peers. I strongly recommend this book to mystery and thriller buffs who love great writing and story-telling.

Follett's second international best-seller was a resounding success but not the juggernaut blockbuster that Eye of the Needle had been four years previously. Nonetheless, it was good enough. This tale is set at the dawn of World War One, when the novel's antagonist/protagonist a Russian anarchist named Feliks Kschessinsky is determined to assassinate one Prince Aleksey Orlov, a Russian admiral who is for the purposes of the storyline a nephew of the real-life Tsar Nicolas II and the fictional Earl of Walden. The Earl's Russian wife the Countess Lydia had once had a premarital affair with Feliks, who was sent to Siberia for the the rest of his natural life while she was forced to make a pre-arranged match with the English nobleman. Feliks escaped from prison many years later, joins an anti-Monarchist anarchist group and makes his way to London when he learns that the young Admiral has brokered a deal to forge an alliance between Russia and Britain should Germany go to war. He also strikes up a friendship with Lydia's susceptible, innocent, but rebellious daughter Lady Charlotte, which is when the plot really gets going. This is a fast-paced story that will satisfy any bookworm although it lacks the spine-tingling suspense that heightened the drama in Eye of the Needle, still considered by many to be Follett's finest.

This is a great mystery. The historical context and events are very accurate. The characters are well developed. These are not your average cookie cutter characters. They have a great deal of depth and diversity. The plot is excellent. There are lots of twists and turns in the book. The ending is a surprise. You will not figure it out until the book ends. And it ends in a way you least expect. I enjoyed this book immensely. It is thought provoking and makes the reader examine one's own conscious throughout. Not meant for the feint at heart. I am certain you will enjoy this book as much as I have. Very stimulating.

Quite an amazing rendition of the prelude to World War I. The author gives us a good view of the wealthy, the noble and the politically motivated characters in the story. Young Winston Chruchill is an interesting character in the story. The ending to the whole tale was expertly finished and made me wonder how much of the story was based on actual events, as it was all very realistically presented. Enjoyed the novel and, of course, always enjoy Ken Follet's work.

I chose this particular novel because I love "The Pillars of the Earth,' and " Fall of Giants." I had hopes that this book would be as involved and interesting as these two. I was a bit disappointed.

I was expecting a historical drama. What I got was, basically, a love story. If you're really into whimsical love stories set back in time you'll probably like this book. If you're looking for historical drama that concentrates on the events surrounding WWI, this is probably not the novel for you.

I sis read it very quickly and so it was interesting... it simply wasn't as in depth or involved (historically) as I'd have preferred.

I chose this particular novel because I love "The Pillars of the Earth,' and " Fall of Giants." I had hopes that this book would be as involved and interesting as these two. I was a bit disappointed.

I was expecting a historical drama. What I got was, basically, a love story. If you're really into whimsical love stories set back in time you'll probably like this book. If you're looking for historical drama that concentrates on the events surrounding WWI, this is probably not the novel for you.

I sis read it very quickly and so it was interesting... it simply wasn't as in depth or involved (historically) as I'd have preferred.

I chose this particular novel because I love "The Pillars of the Earth,' and " Fall of Giants." I had hopes that this book would be as involved and interesting as these two. I was a bit disappointed.

I was expecting a historical drama. What I got was, basically, a love story. If you're really into whimsical love stories set back in time you'll probably like this book. If you're looking for historical drama that concentrates on the events surrounding WWI, this is probably not the novel for you.

I sis read it very quickly and so it was interesting... it simply wasn't as in depth or involved (historically) as I'd have preferred.

I chose this particular novel because I love "The Pillars of the Earth,' and " Fall of Giants." I had hopes that this book would be as involved and interesting as these two. I was a bit disappointed.

I was expecting a historical drama. What I got was, basically, a love story. If you're really into whimsical love stories set back in time you'll probably like this book. If you're looking for historical drama that concentrates on the events surrounding WWI, this is probably not the novel for you.

I sis read it very quickly and so it was interesting... it simply wasn't as in depth or involved (historically) as I'd have preferred.

I chose this particular novel because I love "The Pillars of the Earth,' and " Fall of Giants." I had hopes that this book would be as involved and interesting as these two. I was a bit disappointed.

I was expecting a historical drama. What I got was, basically, a love story. If you're really into whimsical love stories set back in time you'll probably like this book. If you're looking for historical drama that concentrates on the events surrounding WWI, this is probably not the novel for you.

I sis read it very quickly and so it was interesting... it simply wasn't as in depth or involved (historically) as I'd have preferred.