A Dangerous Fortune
by Ken Follett
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Book Reviews of A Dangerous Fortune
Book Review: Decent, Moderately Entertaining Work
Summary: 3 Stars
This is a quite unremarkable, moderately entertaining work of fiction set in late 19th century England. As with another of Follett's works, A Place Called Freedom, it has little to recommend it over dozens of other similar novels set in the period.
The plot revolves around the Pilasters, a wealthy and contentious banking family, whose various branches struggle for control of the family business. Subplots involving a fictitious South American country and members of the British "underclass" bring some spice into the history. However, as with A Place Called Freedom, the most striking aspect of the novel is its utter predictability. Twists in the story become strikingly obvious scores of pages in advance.
I would rate this novel slightly above the aforementioned A Place Called Freedom, but both pale in comparison to Follett's two novels Pillars of the Earth and World Without End. Readers familiar with those works will likely be disappointed with this effort.
Book Review: Bank on Follett
Summary: 3 Stars
You can bank on Follett for the following when you read one of his books: clear good vs evil themes, a historical setting, a compelling story full of plot twists, and explicit sex scenes every 100 pages or so. Unlike Pillars of the Earth, the setting he paints in A Dangerous Fortune seems less distant, less intriguing, than his account of 12th century England in Pillars. 19th century England and the politics and characters of a banking family keep this novel moving. As alwyas, the story is fun to follow and Follett is a master at telling a captivating tale. After reading four of his novels, it seems his ability to let the reader root for the good characters and despise the bad is part of his skill as a writer. If you haven't read anything by him, and might be intimidated by the size of Pillars of the Earth, try reading The Eye of the Needle, or A Dangeous Fortune to get a feel for his style and ability. He's no literary giant, but is certainly fun to read.Book Review: Ken Follett is incredible..
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the second Ken Follett book that I have read (the other being Lie Down With Lions). And let me say, I'm impressed! I thought this book would be boring for the first 100-200 pages, since the setting is 19th century England, (historical fiction I believe would be the genre?) but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this was an amazing story and has shot Ken Follett up into my top 10 authors.
The dynamics of the Pilaster family-- the vicious cunning of Augusta and Micky, the ignorance and vulnerability of Edward, and the heroic stamina and perseverance of Hugh despite so many obstacles-- make this novel fantastic. You will like it more and more as you progress, and towards the last 200 pages you absolutely cannot put it down. This is one of the best novels I've read in the past 2 years and it makes me want to read many more by Ken Follett. A 5-star read for anyone who enjoys fiction of any kind. You will not regret it.
Book Review: Didn't think I'd like this kind of book, but WOW!
Summary: 5 Stars
Let me preface my review with the following statement. This is not normally my kind of book. Much more at home with a detective murder mystery or enchanting fantasy book, it was by pure luck I decided to read this book.
Without a doubt, this is the best book I've read in years. The author does an excellent job of letting you understand what it was like in the 1800's, without slowing down the plot or tuning into a documentary.
The characters were extremely well fleshed out. The "villians" were indeed bad, but you're left with an understanding and appreciation for them.
Unlike some books where you just know everything will end up okay, this book isn't afraid to make good characters face the fire. I won't give away of the ending except to say it was satisfying and realistic.
Overall, I can't recommend this book enough, especially if it's not the normal genre of book you would read.
Book Review: Surprisingly Good
Summary: 4 Stars
I wasn't really expecting much of this book, but was pleasantly surprised. I have read two other Follett books, The Pillars of the Earth and Night Over Water. Pillars is great, aside from the dismal sex scenes, and Night Over Water is completely forgettable.
This one is a nice page-turner. On top of the surprisingly interesting setting of 19th Century merchant banking, the characters are pretty well-developed. It takes a little while to get immersed, but once you are in there, it's easy to follow and enjoyable. I found myself really rooting for the protagonists, and without being a spoiler, it's nice that while everything doesn't turn out just peachy, basically everyone gets "what they deserve." There are some surprising twists -- some a little melodramatic, but not too over the top.
Overall, I'd recommend this. Not good for reading at night in bed.... I stayed up WAY to late to finish it!