Anyone who knows me or has followed some of my reviews on Agendamag.com or on Amazon.com knows how eclectic my reading interests are. I love a good book, whether it is romance, historical fiction, time travel, horror . . . or any other subject or genre. Sometimes, depending on my mood or the need for a lift from heavier reading, the more escapist the better! Such was the case recently.

Ken Follett has done it again—made the bestsellers list, that is. Winter of the World, the second in his Century trilogy, following Fall of Giants, has continued the story of the international heroes of America, England, Russia, and Great Britain during the troubling years of 1933-1949.

As always Follett demonstrates his great faith in and respect for women and their intelligence and strength of courage. Lady Maude of England and Ethel Williams, Welsh peasant and former head housekeeper of Ty Gwyn, Maude’s family estate, are two such characters. In addition he demonstrates the intelligence and courage of the young men of these countries, who though formally uneducated, often show greater wit and intelligence than their superiors, both on the battlefield and in the political arena.