Yes Steve, it is interesting that they are both chronicling the last
century, and it works well in both instances I think. Follett is doing it
in three books, two down and one to go, whereas Archer set out to do it in
five, but is now talking about an extra book.
David
-----Original Message-----
From: ebooktalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ebooktalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Steven Bingham
Sent: 22 April 2013 23:01
To: ebooktalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [ebooktalk] Re: AN OLD FAVOURITE
Hi
I too enjoy Archer's books. They are a bit like watching cartoons - two
dimensional with hardly any character development. Once a character is
introduced you know all about them and more or less how they are going to
act. However, the stories are gripping and the books are often hard to put
down.
I don't think I would put Ken follett in the same category. He is a good
storyteller but seems to do a lot of research to get his backgrounds right.
I must admit however, that when reading Pillars of the Word and World
Without End it was easy to forget that there was 200 years between the
stories. Many of the characters seemed to have inherited more than a few
characteristics of their ancestors.
I have enjoyed both authors and expect to continue to do so. Haven't both of
them set out to tell the story of the 20th century in huge family sagas.
Steve
-----Original Message-----
From: ebooktalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ebooktalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of David Russell
Sent: 22 April 2013 20:31
To: ebooktalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [ebooktalk] Re: AN OLD FAVOURITE
June
I love Artcher's books. They somehow seem to be a guilty pleasure, mainly
because the man himself appears to be so thoroughly self-absorbed and
utterly dislikeable. His books are often stereotypes, but he can tell a
very good story.
Another good storyteller is Ken Follett. His books vary a good deal and the
coincidences are often hard to swallow, but you always want to know what
will happen next. Neither will win the booker, but I for one always look
out for their latest offerings.
David
-----Original Message-----
From: ebooktalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ebooktalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Tar Barrels
Sent: 22 April 2013 20:25
To: ebooktalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [ebooktalk] Re: AN OLD FAVOURITE
I wouldn't read Herbert if it wasn't for my book group. But there you again,
Clare, being nice! ;-) I've already said that in the main I prefer to read
the more complex characters who are perhaps not so nice, but I do find that
I'm sometimes put off reading a book when I dislike the author. However,
there are exceptions to every personal rule and Geoffrey Archer is one -
odious little man, but I must admit he can tell a good story. I followed the
Koomson thread, and I must confess that I'm intrigued by what was said and
will look out for her.
June
-----Original Message-----
From: ebooktalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ebooktalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Clare Gailans
Sent: 22 April 2013 17:36
To: ebooktalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [ebooktalk] Re: AN OLD FAVOURITE
June, I have only read one James Herbert, and won't be returning to him. I
hadn't heard of Dorothy Koomson until the other day, and now I am falling
over her all over the place. I stumbled across her being interviewed on
Woman's Hour this morning if anyone wants to look for it. She sounded a very
nice person which always encourages me to read people. Clare
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