Sarum: The Novel of England
A masterpiece of breathtaking scope—a brilliantly conceived epic novel that traces the entire turbulent course of English history
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
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
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Community Reviews
This is a great historical fiction saga tracing English history from prehistoric times to the present. Like the Forest, another Rutherford book, each chapter deals with a seminal period in English history and could be read as a stand-alone short story. There are huge jumps in time from chapter to chapter, so the characters don't continue, but the thread of the story is told through their descendants. I liked the early chapters about the building of Stonehenge. The Romans send legions to conquer Britain and are brutal in their attacks, killing entire villages. However, they do build roads, baths, and bring other inventions into use. Some people build magnificent homes in the Roman style. In the 400s, the people of Britain convert to Christianity, but there are still those who cling to pagan beliefs. St. Patrick and St. Augustine arrive to convert the Irish and English. All is well for a period until the Norsemen (Vikings) appear on the scene.There are the tales of King Arthur and the epic poem, Boewulf. King Alfred defends Wessex from conquest.
The book takes leaps through English history: the Norman invasion, the Spanish Armada defeat, Henry VIII’s transformation of the religion from Catholicism to Protestant. There’s continued religious fighting, the Inquisition, burning of witches, and more. Constant wars with France to reclaim lost lands, control of Ireland, building of empire, and descriptions of everyday life. It is interesting to see how the fortunes of various families changes through the years. The Godefroi (Godfrey) clan and the Shockleys were well respected but fall into decline. The descendants of William atte Briggs never stop feuding with the Shockleys. After the Plague, this clan takes advantage of opportunities and little by little accumulates wealth. Years later this family renamed Forest, takes on the airs of the gentry.
Within all of this there are some good tales. A young woman snitches on her former lover who stole a pig, which leads to his death. During World War II, One Shockley woman falls in love with a distant Shockley cousin from America.
The book takes leaps through English history: the Norman invasion, the Spanish Armada defeat, Henry VIII’s transformation of the religion from Catholicism to Protestant. There’s continued religious fighting, the Inquisition, burning of witches, and more. Constant wars with France to reclaim lost lands, control of Ireland, building of empire, and descriptions of everyday life. It is interesting to see how the fortunes of various families changes through the years. The Godefroi (Godfrey) clan and the Shockleys were well respected but fall into decline. The descendants of William atte Briggs never stop feuding with the Shockleys. After the Plague, this clan takes advantage of opportunities and little by little accumulates wealth. Years later this family renamed Forest, takes on the airs of the gentry.
Within all of this there are some good tales. A young woman snitches on her former lover who stole a pig, which leads to his death. During World War II, One Shockley woman falls in love with a distant Shockley cousin from America.
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