Helpful Score: 3
Not Gregory's best work by far. A depressing and strange read.
Helpful Score: 2
I LOVE Philippa Gregory, but this book was just dreadful. I couldn't stand the main characters, both male and female. I pushed myself to finish this one.
Helpful Score: 1
Good book, however I did not like as much as some of Gregory's other books. Not sure why, maybe the subject matter. Book was alittle slow at times
Not your typical Philippa Gregory book about royalty but still very good. Ending was very predictable though but I did like the era she wrote about (WW1) very well-well enough to look for other books about WW1 that are historical fiction. If you like Philippa Gregory, you will enjoy this book.
A great story, well-written about a class different marriage in England right after WWI. You see the "high-brow" stoicism vs gritty "real-life" emotions. I really didn't want this book to end.
I read Fallen Skies with a reading buddy in my online book club, The Reading Cove.
Unfortunately, Philippa Gregory let me down big style with this one. While the narrative itself is well written and not poorly rendered, I have to ask: What was the point of this couple? It was obvious from the jump they should never have married--but then there would've been no torturous plot to strewn the next 500 pages on!
Seriously, Stephen and Lily's story just twists you into knots without the promise of the slightest relief in the end. Both are dreadfully unlikeable and unsympathetic focal characters...with an ending that solidifies the narrative as a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions.
Not pleasant reading at. all.
So I have to say: if you haven't read this one, don't waste your time. I could never recommend this. For me it was an F. 1 star.
Unfortunately, Philippa Gregory let me down big style with this one. While the narrative itself is well written and not poorly rendered, I have to ask: What was the point of this couple? It was obvious from the jump they should never have married--but then there would've been no torturous plot to strewn the next 500 pages on!
Seriously, Stephen and Lily's story just twists you into knots without the promise of the slightest relief in the end. Both are dreadfully unlikeable and unsympathetic focal characters...with an ending that solidifies the narrative as a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions.
Not pleasant reading at. all.
So I have to say: if you haven't read this one, don't waste your time. I could never recommend this. For me it was an F. 1 star.
Good story, but too long.
I couldn't put this book down. Philippa Gregory has created the creepiest, most paranoid, cruel, and probably insane main male character named Stephen Winters. Raised in an upper class family by a mother with absolutely no redeeming human graces and who only cares about "what is the correct thing to do" and what others will think of her and her family. Stephen is shamed into joining the British army by his family and community and he is a devout coward even before joining. He degenerates rapidly in the trenches in Belgium in World War I and creates unspeakable acts of cruelty for which he receives medals. When he marries he becomes a selfish abusive spouse who knows nothing about women or love. Lily, his wife is merely a side light in this book. His is the story and it is truly frightening and disgusting as he forces his wife to have a child he does not want or love. His relationship with his "man" Coventry is strange in the extreme. Good book. Gregory is a talented author. I hated this guy....but I liked the book and I liked the ending. Genny
Although I am a fan of her books, this was not my favorite Philippa Gregory novel. I felt that the plot dragged in many spots and overall I was left wanting more from the characters, especially Lily.
This has been my favorite of Philippa Gregory's books, I loved the books about the Tudor's but this one never had a dull moment. I could not put it down! I would recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction.
With "Fallen Skies," Philippa Gregory once again reminds me of why I love her Historical Fictions. She is an amazing writer, and this particular story had me emotionally invested in no time (Doesn't hurt that I'm an aspiring singer/performer, myself)...
I have virtually no knowledge of England in the time just after WWI, and I found myself happily and entirely engrossed in the world and the story of Lily, Stephen, Charlie & Coventry throughout the book.
It was another book that I wished would have just gone on and on past the last page. :)
Definitely recommended.
I have virtually no knowledge of England in the time just after WWI, and I found myself happily and entirely engrossed in the world and the story of Lily, Stephen, Charlie & Coventry throughout the book.
It was another book that I wished would have just gone on and on past the last page. :)
Definitely recommended.
A really different take on Philippa Gregory's writing. This is a fictional story and not based on any historical facts. Loved it-it took you right to the time period (turn of the century.) I hope she does more writing like this.
Being a big Philippa Gregory fan, I was excited to read this book. I know she keeps her books historically accurate, but this one could have used a little more cheer. I kept waiting for something happy to happen to the characters, but it was pretty grim. That being said, the characters were interesting and well developed, her descriptions of the clothes and houses of that era were wonderful. I would recommend this book, especially if you are interested in the 1920's and WWI.
Synopsis
Lily wants to forget the war and enjoy the world of the 1920s. When she meets Captain Winters, a hero back from the Front, she's drawn to his wealth and status. In Lily he sees his salvation - from the past, from the nightmares, from the guilt at surviving. But it's a dream that cannot last.
Lily wants to forget the war and enjoy the world of the 1920s. When she meets Captain Winters, a hero back from the Front, she's drawn to his wealth and status. In Lily he sees his salvation - from the past, from the nightmares, from the guilt at surviving. But it's a dream that cannot last.
