When my family was visiting Vancouver in 2024, we saw a new-at-that-time traveling Stonehenge exhibit that had great displays of the latest archeological information about its construction and the life & times of the people who lived in Bath at that time. Follett builds a setting around early communities near Stonehenge, tracing labor, belief, and conflict as the monument takes shape. The story follows a small group of protagonists whose lives intersect with power, survival, and ritual in a harsh landscape.
The book shows familiar Follett patterns. The moral lines between good and bad characters are stark, with motives that can feel simplistic. Several antagonists act from flat impulses rather than complex drives. The portrayal of women lacks the depth given to many male characters.
Even with those limits, the narrative holds attention. The setting feels grounded in current archaeological ideas. The protagonists earn investment, and the plot sustains momentum. An engaging historical novel with uneven characterization. 4/5 stars.
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