Sarum - Edward Rutherfurd

Sarum

By Edward Rutherfurd

  • Release Date: 1988-06-12
  • Genre: Historical Fiction
4 Score: 4 (From 153 Ratings)

Description

A masterpiece of breathtaking scope—a brilliantly conceived epic novel that traces the entire turbulent course of English history
 
This ebook edition features a new introduction by the author in honor of the thirtieth anniversary of Sarum.

This rich tapestry weaves a compelling saga of five families—the Wilsons, the Masons, the family of Porteus, the Shockleys, and the Godfreys—who reflect the changing character of Britain. As their fates and fortunes intertwine over the course of the centuries, their greater destinies offer a fascinating glimpse into the future. An absorbing historical chronicle, Sarum is a keen tale of struggle and adventure, a profound human drama, and a magnificent work of sheer storytelling.
 
Praise for Sarum
 
“Bursts with action, encyclopedic in historic detail . . . supremely well crafted and a delight to read.”—Chicago Tribune
 
“A fascinating journey . . . a clear yet sparkling window upon history with a superb narrative, so perfectly balanced between history and fiction that it clears away the mists of time from antiquity, giving the reader the impression that events over a span of ten centuries occurred only yesterday.”—Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“Strong . . . appealing . . . I haven’t read so satisfactory a saga in years . . . in fact, perhaps not ever before. . . . It gives you not only history but comfort.”—Chicago Sun-Times
 
“[Edward] Rutherfurd holds us all consistently intrigued. In Sarum he has created a splendid novel that will bring many hours of diversified reading pleasure.”—The Plain Dealer
 
“A richly imagined vision of history, written with genuine delight.”—San Francisco Chronicle
 
“Rutherfurd is at his best. . . . His storytelling skills are substantial. . . . One of the best books of the season.”—Kansas City Star
 
“Absorbing . . . a superior historical novel . . . This blockbuster saga should appeal to discriminating readers, since Rutherfurd has an excellent grasp of his subject and a compelling story to tell.”—Publishers Weekly

Reviews

  • One of my favorites

    4
    By ValNewMex
    I've read this several times in book form. Delighted to find it in a much more convenient form. (900 pages is a lot to hold onto). If you like a good saga this is the ultimate, covering 10,000 years of family history. Yes, it's long but I love seeing family characteristics crop up or change over the centuries.
  • Historic tedium

    3
    By kayak313
    The history of Sarum and British culture is very interesting and well detailed. The story woven within it is tedious
  • Sarum

    5
    By Lotty Burke
    Rutherford recreates living history for his readers by using just enough fictional overlay to bring the genuine stories to life. This is a work that belongs to the world, but could bring fire to ashen history classrooms. Bravo to Edward Rutherford.
  • This is not Michener...

    3
    By EmilyGilmour
    It is overall ok and worth your time - you can just skip over the longwinded and boring parts where the characters fall flat or where there are simply too many characters introduced that end up not having to do anything with the later story anyway. Will definitely stay away from the other books though.
  • Sarum

    4
    By spirits fold
    Excellent blend of research and storytelling. Follow the descendants of several families from the Ice Age to 1985 in an entertaining and fact filled tale.
  • One of my favorites

    5
    By lavakiss
    I love these characters.

Comments