Wonderful read. I learned so much I never knew before about so many things, and the story line is compelling. It was hard to put this book down to go to sleep, so I found myself doing with less sleep till I finished it. It was well worth the sleep loss. Fantastic detail.

Share/Like this Review?

Some books you read, and you are entertained. Books by Edward Rutherford I like to savor. Painstakingly researched. For historical fiction fans, and for people who like a good story, you can get completely immersed in this book.

Share/Like this Review?

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genre, and this book captivated me from the beginning. The author traces several generations of families throughout this particular section of England. He not only spoke of the people but of the forest creatures, and indeed, the forest itself. He goes into a lot of detail much as Michener does in his books, but it held my interest, and I came away with a better understanding of what life was like from the 1500s to the 1800s in rural England.

Share/Like this Review?

Very interesting look at the common people of a certain area of England over a 900 year period. History in story form. I found it quite interesting.

Share/Like this Review?

Edward Rutherfurd supplies a very thorough historical background to this passionate fictional story that is worth exploring.
Leah G.

Share/Like this Review?

The Amazon review:
"As he did most recently--and with greater success--in London, Rutherfurd offers a sweeping picture of an area of England by focusing on a few families who lived there. This time he concentrates on the New Forest, part of the southern coast of England bounded by the English Channel. Rutherfurd traces the lives of peasants, smugglers, churchmen, woodsmen, and upper-class families from the 11th to the 20th centuries. These assorted men and women take part in the events surrounding the death of King Rufus (William the Conqueror's son), the failure of the Spanish Armada, England's Civil War, and more. Rutherfurd has always used his characters more as placeholders in history than as living human beings, but those in The Forest are particularly one-dimensional. That, plus the annoyingly Michener-like didactic tone of the narrative, makes this a hard book to recommend, even for fans of Rutherfurd. Still, readers looking for a fictional overview of English history will find it here in spades."

This is a good book, not quite as good as London, though, in my opinion.

Share/Like this Review?

Rutherford is a recognized British literary historian who takes a particular subject and does what James Michener does; this book starts in the medieval age and comes to 19th century. Since sections stand alone, it is a good book to have to dip into and save the rest for later; there's no point in trying to follow characters due to the time line having gaps.
His writing style is very readable and I really enjoyed the book; I think all Anglophiles would too.

Share/Like this Review?

Rutherfurd's book are a great way to learn or improve your understanding on English history. The characters make the historical events easier to understand and gives life to an otherwise dry topic. Fun and easy reading.

Share/Like this Review?

In THE FOREST, Edward Rutherfurd unfolds the saga of nine turbulent centuries in the life of the quintessential English heartland: the New Forest.

The New Forest lies in a vast bowl scooped from England's southern coast. From the time of the Norman Conquest to the present day, the New Forest has remained a mysterious, powerful, almost mythical place. It is here that Saxon and Norman kings rode forth with their hunting parties, and where William the Conqueror's son Rufus was mysteriously killed. The New Forest is the perfect backdrop for the families who people this epic story--a story that makes clear the connections between the dark, dangerous, sensuous life of the primeval forest and the genteel life of Georgian and Regency society.

Edward Rutherfurd is a master storyteller whose sense of place and of character--whether fictional or historical--is at its most vibrant in THE FOREST. Like SARUM and LONDON, it is a gripping novel of living history.

Share/Like this Review?

Rutherfurd is English counterpart to James Michener. You always wish for more when you reach the end of the book. That being said I liked SARUM better. I taught European history for years but never understood the nuances Rutherfurd brings to the table.

Share/Like this Review?

A delightful read that truly moves right along. One does not bog down as the book travels through the history of this area called the New Forest in southern England. The characters are real as they transcend time. The families interlink and yet are so different. Definitely recommend for anyone who loves history and people.

Share/Like this Review?