I couldn't put this book down. Philippa Gregory has created the creepiest, most paranoid, cruel, and probably insane main male character named Stephen Winters. Raised in an upper class family by a mother with absolutely no redeeming human graces and who only cares about "what is the correct thing to do" and what others will think of her and her family. Stephen is shamed into joining the British army by his family and community and he is a devout coward even before joining. He degenerates rapidly in the trenches in Belgium in World War I and creates unspeakable acts of cruelty for which he receives medals. When he marries he becomes a selfish abusive spouse who knows nothing about women or love. Lily, his wife is merely a side light in this book. His is the story and it is truly frightening and disgusting as he forces his wife to have a child he does not want or love. His relationship with his "man" Coventry is strange in the extreme. Good book. Gregory is a talented author. I hated this guy....but I liked the book and I liked the ending. Genny
This has been my favorite of Philippa Gregory's books, I loved the books about the Tudor's but this one never had a dull moment. I could not put it down! I would recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction.
With "Fallen Skies," Philippa Gregory once again reminds me of why I love her Historical Fictions. She is an amazing writer, and this particular story had me emotionally invested in no time (Doesn't hurt that I'm an aspiring singer/performer, myself)...
I have virtually no knowledge of England in the time just after WWI, and I found myself happily and entirely engrossed in the world and the story of Lily, Stephen, Charlie & Coventry throughout the book.
It was another book that I wished would have just gone on and on past the last page. :)
Definitely recommended.
