Winter of the World (The Century Trilogy #2) [B0811]

2013 PB. Berlin in 1933 is in upheaval. Winter of the World picks up right where the first book (Fall of Giants) left off, as its five interrelated families-American, German, Russian, English, Welsh-enter a time of enormous social, political, and economic turmoil, beginning with the rise of the Third Reich, through the Spanish Civil War and the great dramas of World War II, up to the explosions of the American and Soviet atomic bombs.

Carla von Ulrich, born of German and English parents, finds her life engulfed by the Nazi tide until she commits a deed of great courage and heartbreak. . . . American brothers Woody and Chuck Dewar, each with a secret, take separate paths to momentous events, one in Washington, the other in the bloody jungles of the Pacific. . . . English student Lloyd Williams discovers in the crucible of the Spanish Civil War that he must fight Communism just as hard as Fascism. . . . Daisy Peshkov, a driven American social climber, cares only for popularity and the fast set, until the war transforms her life, not just once but twice, while her cousin Volodya carves out a position in Soviet intelligence that will affect not only this war-but the war to come. These characters and many others find their lives inextricably entangled as their experiences illuminate the cataclysms that marked the century. From the drawing rooms of the rich to the blood and smoke of battle, their lives intertwine, propelling the reader into dramas of ever-increasing complexity.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "Great classic Follet style, with a continuation in the Century Trilogy series. A lot of great historical references from across Russia, Germany, Britain and the US. It was captivating from the story lines as well as the views of the war from the characters. Can't wait to start the Edge of Eternity, the last book in the trilogy."; "I've read a lot of Ken Follett and this in my opinion is the best by far. Best book I have read in 2025."; "A wonderful recollection of history. Ken Follett is a master at storytelling. He brings history to life and gives you a look into humanity. This book helps you put today's world into perspective. Worth reading."