Winter Of The World

By Ken Follett

Winter of the World is the second book in the Century Trilogy, and it’s my favorite so far. At over 900 pages, it’s another massive novel by Follett, but one I simply couldn’t put down— I think I enjoyed this one most because it covers a fascinating period of world history: the shifting dynamics of old-world powers and the rise of the United States on the global stage, a story that resonates with the “Greatest Generation” (also the subject of Tom Brokaw’s excellent book).

This novel picks up where Fall of Giants left off, moving from World War I into the early 1930s, through World War II, and into the late 1940s. As in the first book, the focus is on the major players of the era—the United States, England, Germany, and Russia—told through the lives of four prominent families.

Follett does a masterful job of weaving real historical events with fictional characters, creating a story that feels both authentic and compelling. One surprising detail he includes is the little-known plot to overthrow President Roosevelt and the U.S. government, a reminder of the adage: If we forget history, we are bound to repeat it.
The book vividly portrays key events such as Germany’s march through Western Europe, Pearl Harbor and the Pacific theater, the Battle of Britain, and ultimately Germany’s defeat at the hands of the Russians near Moscow. Follett’s descriptions strike the perfect balance—clear and engaging without overwhelming the reader, even though entire volumes have been written about each of these events.
Toward the end, the focus shifts to the conclusion of World War II in Europe, with a parallel thread on the U.S. dropping the atomic bomb on Japan. While this plays a smaller role in the narrative, it sets the stage for the Cold War and the nuclear arms race.

The post-war chapters explore the emergence of the United Nations from the failed League of Nations, the devastation across Europe, and the division of Germany into East and West. Follett captures the struggle between democracy and communism with nuance and depth.

What makes the storytelling so captivating is the way Follett intertwines the lives of his characters. As he moves between chapters and perspectives, you’re left eager to see what happens next. It’s the kind of book that’s hard to put down.
Compared to Fall of Giants, I found Winter of the World had a smoother flow. The pacing was faster, with fewer slow sections, and it left me wanting more. That eagerness pushed me straight into the final book of the trilogy, Edge of Eternity, which takes the story into the 1960s.

If you enjoy accurate history wrapped in an entertaining narrative, this trilogy is outstanding. The final installment is over 1,100 pages, and I can’t wait to see where Follett takes the story next.