Sarum: The Novel of England

The first novel I read by Edward Rutherfurd was, RUSSKA. I was enthralled and hooked by the sheer scope of his writing, and I knew I'd read more of his novels. Historical fiction has always been my favorite category of great books. I am often asked why I prefer historical fiction, and the reason I give is that the great writers in this genre, including Michener and Rutherfurd, introduce fictional characters who lived amidst actual historical events; epic periods that transformed human history. The great writes paint a canvas, which makes these historic events all the more fascinating. But also, the reader gets to know what the characters are like in the way one gets to know a new neighbor or a co-worker. We are able to learn how these characters coped during critical and turbulent times during human history. When done well, the great writers allow us to meet their main characters not unlike in today's high tech virtual reality. We learn what they are thinking, and how they feel about their personal dilemmas, and about the social/political/religious events that occur in their daily lives. For readers [like me] who have a good imagination, when led by a great writer, we can visualize the faces and hear the voices of the characters these great authors create. We can feel their pains, their passions, their fears. We get to know the intricate details of their personalities. In fact, there are many we come to love and despise, and there are many who we can relate to. Most of all, when introduced by the BEST writers/authors of historical fiction, there are many character who we remember for years to come, if not the remainder of our lives. Oh my! In this regard, Edward Rutherfurd's SARUM did not disappoint. From the very beginning, I became captivated by the early history about the settlement of Sarum and the events that led to the founding of Stonehenge, which was one of my favorite sections of this great novel. Specifically, I enjoyed Rutherfurd's description and vivid details of how Stonehenge was evolved. Of the various theories, Rutherfurd chose the most plausible. And he begins by introducing the reader to the mason, Nooma, who through an amazing tale was put in charge of building Stonehenge; a character described as a short unsightly man, broad at the shoulders with a big head, etc., and how he was beset with constant problems trying to build the temple by a seemingly impossible deadline given him by the High Priest. The reason I so thoroughly enjoyed Rutherfurd's conception/description of the character he created in Nooma, was because despite the improbable odds, I came to understand Nooma. I knew that Nooma was very proud of his craftsmanship, and that he would figure out how to solve each enormous problem, such as the task of moving the massive stones to the building site. And, through Rutherfurd's excellent story telling, I felt compassion for Nooma because he won my affection. It was as if I knew him personally, for many years. I felt sympathy for him knowing that he was dealing with a wife and friend who deceived him. But also, Nooma became more endeared to readers because we sensed his fear, and the urgency he faced as he tackled the tasks before him. From a 'practical' perspective, Nooma knew and understood all too well that he would be sacrificed to the Gods if he didn't meet the High Priest's deadline. Also, Rutherfurd's [fictionalized] story of Stonehenge allows the reader to better understand how knowledge of astronomy evolved, and how astronomy would forever play a major role in both religious ceremonies and everyday life. Furthermore, in SARUM, the chapter about the building of Stonehenge gave me a better understanding of how similar [most] ancient societies are respective to religious rites [including human sacrifice to the Gods], and the power that high priest/spiritual men/shamans have over kings, emperors, and tribal chiefs. If you are a fan of historical fiction, you too will enjoy this amazing epic. Rutherfurd is a master story teller, and he leaves no details undone. I highly recommend that you add, SARUM THE NOVEL to your collection. Maizie Lucille James July 11, 2010

I will be traveling to the British Isles and wanted to start reading about them, and this seemed a good overview book. It was reasonably priced for my kindle. The only flaw with the kindle version is that the family tree charts are hard to see if you don't enlarge them, and you'll need to bookmark them to go back and forth or be lost in the families. The sheer research needed to write a book like this and the understanding of it is immense. Added to that the creativity of adding characters to play on the scenes of history, my hat is off to the author. This is history made into a series of stories that follow a few families. At times I enjoyed it and other times I had to knuckle down and keep going. Usually it takes me about 2-3 days to read a book, this took me almost 2 weeks. Admittedly, I had to take a couple breaks and read other books during that time. What didn't work for me was that some characters were 1 or 2 dimensional. And sometimes just when I started getting into a storyline, it changed to another time. This was also a largely patriarchal story, the women mostly got sidelined save for a few. Even Boudica got only a fleeting mention. But in the end, this is much more readable than a straight history book. I learned a lot of the history of England and the area from this and am glad that I spent the 2 weeks with this book. It will give me a jumping off place to learn about other parts of history there.

This is fantastic historical fiction. Rutherfurd tells a sweeping story of southern England that is hard to put down. Highest Recommendation!

In "Sarum: The Novel of England," Edward Rutherford expertly weaves a sprawling narrative that spans centuries, chronicling the lives of five families as they navigate the shifting landscape of British history. Through the perspectives of the Wilsons, Masons, Porteus, Shockleys, and Godfreys, Rutherford captures the essence of England's evolution, from prehistoric times through the tumult of the medieval period and beyond. The richly detailed storytelling immerses readers in the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of these families, creating an intricate tapestry of life that reflects the broader historical events shaping the nation. Rutherford’s ability to blend personal stories with significant historical milestones creates a compelling and immersive reading experience. "Sarum" is not just a historical novel; it is a profound exploration of struggle, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit that has defined England throughout the ages.

Yes the book was informative, and it did provide new insightful perspectives to what I thought I knew about English history. At the same time it reinforced and validated old perspectives. Yes, it was repetitive, tedious, and often silly throughout. But there were a lot of good parts to balance that out. Rutherford packed a lot of both good and bad into those thousand pages. I finished the book, and am happy I did. It was a chore at times; a pleasure at times. I wish he had done a better job of editing, but he did a great job of being thorough, informative, insightful, and comprehensive. I wish there were better maps. I am convinced that one gets out of a good book what one puts into it. This is a good book. If you are looking for a "fun" read, this may not be the book for you. If you are looking for a substantive read, this book may be for you.

I am still reading it, am just now up to 400 a.d., the fall of the Roman empire and its effect on Britain. i have enjoyed the various segments, following those who lived and died in Sarum from primitive times until ....? The writing is good, the stories and characters intriguing, some more than others, It is fascinating to see the changes in the land and historical events that will make up what becomes the modern Sarum. It is fiction, of course, but seems to be well-researched as to what might have happened in pre-history and historical times. There is some family continuity, which one discerns from physical descriptons of the people and also their trades and talents. And there are physical features of the land and some of the objects of art that were created that seem to be unearthed or discovered from on time period to another (Stonehenge, for one). I would recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction, pre-history, and archeology. If you like Michenor's epic novels, and stories that cover a lot of ground, time-wise. So far, so good.... It is a good read, will take some time to get through, and I am enjoying it so far.

I have noted with interest the number of reviewers who are not charmed by "Sarum." If a person is not enthralled by Stonehenge he might not be enthralled with this epic book. Perhaps a person has to be a Stonehenge junkie to enjoy Rutherfurd's sojourn into Neolithic Britain and the long, long road to the present. Many years ago, when you could still roam around Stonehenge, I sat on one of the great rock slabs The rock felt cool even though the sun was shining. I ran my fingers over the lichen tracings which were as delicate as lace and I thought "hundreds of years from now when I am long gone, this rock and this lichen will look exactly the same as they do now." That was sixty years ago. As the author remarks in Sarum "the glory of the Island was made of stone." If wonders like Stonehenge thrill you, chances are good you'll love "Sarum" and the descriptive events swirling around the great astronomical monument are among the best in the book. The superb Salisbury Cathedral is also a nucleus of activity and a reflection of the English spirit and made of stone. This immense novel takes a long time to get through but perseverance is worth it and you'll come away thinking about Britain in a new light because you will feel yourself an observer. You were there when Neolithic men first came down from the North, you were there for the next 10,000 years. In the Fifth century Britain is over-run with the Romans, then Germanic tribes-the Goths, the Saxons- and the Viking marauders from the north. King Alfred the Great manages to keep his kingdom of Wessex from being conquered by its numerous enemies and from that small kingdom Britain the Island will become England the country, a diverse people under one flag. As the history panorama rolls by you'll visit Norman England after the Conquest. In the fullness of time men will marvel at the great Sarsens at Stonehenge but they have forgotten what the eerie circle of silent giants was for. Sarum follows the lives and fortunes of five families who lived on the Salisbury Plain- the family of Porteous, the Wilsons, the Masons, the Shockleys and the Godfreys. Families like these and the individual men and women who comprise them, some good, some bad, mold England over the centuries, give it its character, its uniqueness. In the fourteenth century come the reigns of John, the magnificent Edward I and his disastrous son Edward II. Salisbury Cathedral rises from the plain, a church so light and airy it looks from a distance as though it were made of lace. The Black Death, a bacterial disease spread by fleas fro rats, decimates the population of Europe. In the Fifteenth Century Henry V wins the battle of Agincourt. The Tudor dynasty emerges after the death of Richard III. Henry VIII dissolves the monasteries, England is plunged into Catholicism by Mary and Elizabeth I wrenches the country back to Protestantism. She demands the Cathedral at Salisbury to contribute money to fight the Spanish Armada, knowing that the Spanish ships are positioning themselves for invasion. She executes her mortal enemy, "the Frenchified Mary Queen of Scots." In the Sixteenth Century James I and his son Charles, devoutly believing they rule by divine right, try to govern Scotland as well as England without understanding either country. In the next century Cromwell, the Restoration. Citizens are buffeted one way then the other. The nineteenth century. Napoleon. Nelson. The little frigate called the "Euryalus" is tucked right next to Nelson's ship the "Victory" at the Battle of Trafalgar. "We were Nelson's watchdog" the seamen said. "We were his extra eye and arm." But Nelson in his admiral's jacket covered with flashing medals strides across the deck, giving orders, an easy mark for an enemy sniper. A concise description of the great battle which destroyed the French navy forever is written into the story. The British nation becomes an Empire, stretching around the globe. Queen Victoria is not mentioned. Author Rutherfurd's authoritative and convincing story goes to the heart of the British nation, to the people who are the country's backbone. And Stonehenge, which had fallen into private ownership, was sold in 1915 to a gentleman for 6,600 pounds. In 1918 that gentleman gave Stonehenge to the nation.

Just discovered this author - have read all of Michener - great book - highly recommend it!

Having travelled to Salisbury and Old Sarum a few times in the past I had to have this book. And I enjoyed following the history of Sarum from its very beginning - or better still from before then. The characters in the book are most of the time merely a vehicle to transport the well researched history of Sarum. Next time I visit Salisbury and Old Sarum I will definitely see it with new eyes.

Found the derail and description well written. It took me a while to get into the storyline and from that time I found it difficult to put down Following the families and how each they made their dynasty or failures was well presented.

I've read most of Edward Rutherfurd's book previously so I knew what to expect with this one; it's like preparing yourself for a long journey. This book is absolutely huge and i have no doubt that many, many readers won't have the patience or fortitude to get right through it. Which is a mistake because it really is worth the time. There are 19 chapters in this book and ,except for the fairly short last chapter, each of the others is almost as long as a whole book by some other authors. You won't see any reviewers of this book saying "I read it in one sitting". I've never come across an author who writes with a style like this. The books of the late James A Michener are similar, in that they tell a sweeping tale of one place through the ages, but even they don't have some of the devices that Mt Rutherfurd uses. One of those devices is brilliant in that it uses some derivation of the name, plus a few physical and behavioral characteristics, as identifiers for a family throughout the ages. So, if a character in, say, the bronze age, has unusually long hands and feet and close-set eyes and is a less than savoury character, then their ancestor, hundreds or thousands of years later, will crop up as a character with a name of similar derivation and just the same physical characteristics and they are, also, likely to be the villain of the piece. If someone wanted to get a very thorough grounding in English history, in one book, then this is it. It doesn't just relate historical events, it provides the background and uses the characters to express what it would actually feel like to be there at that time. Although the characters are all fictional, they feel so real that it's incredibly easy to consider then as accurately factual historical figures. I don't read an Edward Rutherfurd book very often; I have to psych myself up to it, but when I do, it's always a real delight.

Livre très intéressant

Really enjoyed it. One of the best historical book I ve ever read. Each story is fascinating and tells you a lot about English history.