The Evening and the Morning Summary
The Evening and the Morning is a historical fiction novel written by Ken Follett and published in 2020. It serves as a prequel to his famous novel, The Pillars of the Earth, and takes place in England during the Dark Ages. The audiobook version of The Evening and the Morning, narrated by John Lee, provides a rich and immersive experience, bringing the story to life in a way that captivates the listener.
The Evening and the Morning tells the story of three main characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. There is Edgar, a young boat builder from a small coastal village; Ragna, a Norman noblewoman who has fled her homeland to escape an arranged marriage; and Aldred, a monk who dreams of building a great cathedral. The novel follows their individual journeys as they navigate the chaotic and violent world of 10th century England.
At the heart of the novel is the theme of community and how it is built, tested, and destroyed. Edgar, Ragna, and Aldred are all outsiders who find themselves in new environments and must forge relationships with the people around them. Edgar, who has a gift for boat building, is taken in by the wealthy widow Lady Emma and her young son, and becomes involved in a scheme to take back their land from a brutal earl. Ragna, who is pursued by her former betrothed and his violent brother, finds refuge in a small village where she befriends the locals and begins to build a new life for herself. Aldred, who is tasked with building a cathedral for a wealthy bishop, must contend with corrupt officials and ambitious rival builders as he strives to create a symbol of faith and community that will stand the test of time.
The audiobook version of The Evening and the Morning is masterfully narrated by John Lee, who brings a range of voices and accents to the diverse cast of characters. His pacing and intonation are spot on, and he imbues the story with a sense of urgency and drama that makes it hard to stop listening. Lee's narration is particularly effective in the scenes of violence and conflict, which are visceral and intense, but also in the quieter moments of introspection and reflection.
One of the strengths of The Evening and the Morning is its attention to historical detail. Follett has clearly done his research, and the novel is rich in descriptions of the period's architecture, clothing, food, and social customs. This attention to detail creates a vivid sense of time and place that transports the listener to a world that is both familiar and strange. It also adds depth and complexity to the characters, who are shaped by the historical forces that surround them.
Another strength of The Evening and the Morning is its pacing. Despite its length (over 900 pages in print), the novel never feels slow or bogged down. Follett keeps the story moving with a series of twists and turns, each one building on the last and leading to a satisfying conclusion. The audiobook version enhances this sense of momentum, with John Lee's narration propelling the story forward and keeping the listener engaged.
Overall, The Evening and the Morning audiobook is a must-listen for fans of historical fiction, and for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted story with strong characters, rich settings, and high stakes. Ken Follett has once again proven himself to be a master of the genre, and John Lee's narration brings his vision to life in a way that is both immersive and entertaining. Whether you're a longtime fan of Follett's work or new to his writing, The Evening and the Morning is a book (and an audiobook) that should not be missed.
