London : The Novel

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Summary: "Maybe It's Because I'm A Londoner".....that I love "London"
Review: As the song goes "Maybe It's Because I'm a Londoner that I think of Her Whereever I go" that Edward Rutherford's book is so dear to me...I borrowed it from the library and now I have to buy it....what a wonderful resource! I lived on Regency Street right of Vauxhall Bridge Road as a child and NEVER knew about the gardens that gave it it's name. It reminded me of when I left London, my grandfather took me to visit the Tower of London just in case I never returned from America...we had lived in Westminster all my life and took London for granted....Edward Rutherford, thank you for a wonderful gift...of my hometown!!!

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Summary: I loved it!
Review: I prefer more focused historical fiction like "The Triumph and the Glory" or the Aubrey/Maturin Napoleonic War novels, but Rutherford is such a master of the saga that I ALWAYS read his books. Russka was great, so was Sarum, and so is London.

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Summary: This book makes history become interesting (for once)
Review: In this very long (over 1100 page) novel, the stories of 5 English families intertwine. Starting in the 50's BC, it cronicles though the dark, medevil, Elizibathian, Victorian, Edwardian eras, and ends in the present date. I recomend this book to any and all who enjoy reading. It is not just for those who seek dry, boring, way-too discripitive historical novels. Everyone will love it! This book is funny, romantic, and also incorperates famous historical figures, such as Caesar, Chauser, and Shakespere. Read it, and enjoy!

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Summary: Entertaining story with a few flaws
Review: I finished "London" a few days ago and have mixed feelings about it. Overall, I thought the book was an interesting read and that at times Rutherford's style of writing was impressive. I particularly liked the way he could make London come alive in the historical periods in which the story was set. The chapters "Lavender Hill" and the chapter where the cockneys were first introduced (I'm sorry but I don't have my copy with me) were the most successful in this. However, that said, there were times when Rutherford's writing was lazy. I thought the book fell short at the end and I felt somewhat cheated by this. I don't think the last three chapters portrayed London as well as the rest of the novel had. I got the sense that Rutherford had gotten tired with writing the novel and wanted to finish it off as quickly as possible. But, despite these criticisms, it is an entertaining book to curl up on the couch with. It certainly retained my attention which a book that long would not have done if I had found it boring.

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Summary: The best historical fiction I've read. Can't put it down!
Review: Rutherford makes history come alive! His account of the lives of several families from the time just before Christ and into the 20th century is a remarkable read. It truly is one of the best historical fictions I've read and one that you can't put down. Enjoy!

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Summary: IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, GO BACK TO LONDON!
Review: I READ THIS BOOK WHILE STUDYING AT THE LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS, AND I FOUND IT TO BE THE MOST INSIGHFUL, INTELLECTUAL PIECE OF LITERATURE AVAILABLE. ANYONE WHO CANNOT LEARN FROM THIS AMAZING HISTORICAL EPIC SHOULD REEVALUATE THIER APPRECIATION FOR FINE LITERATURE. THE INTEGRATION OF HISTORICAL FACT AND SHORT STORY PRODUCED A DELIGHTFUL, ENTERTAINING, YET EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE.

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Summary: Marathon reading
Review: I've just read London and Russka back to back and BOY are my eyes tired. Rutherfurd writes very well, I have the highest respect for his books. I don't think "London" is as good as "Sarum" or "Russka" were but it is still worthwhile reading, I just wish he'd write a shorter novel once in awhile, closer to the length of excellent recent novels like "The Triumph and the Glory" or "How Few Remain".

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Summary: A huge disappointment
Review: After reading wonderful reviews of this book in many places, I bought it to read during a cross-country trip. About a tenth of the way into it, I found the writing to be uneven, the coincidences unbelievable, and my natural desire to identify with and care about characters thwarted. Rutherfurd's book alternately lectures on British history and provides barely connected narrative from century to century (his chosen method of exposition). Frustrated, I struggled to finish the damn book. After a man at a movie theatre saw me carrying the book, told me of his similar frustrations with it (and with Rutherfurd's Russka as well), and suggested I simply abandon it on the nearest table, I took his advice, and did. I've read a dozen books since then which are infintely better than Rutherfurd's London!

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Summary: Epic novel of historical fiction, entirely worth the effort
Review: The depth of Rutherfurd's research left me in awe. One thing that occassionally irritated me (and what cost him a star)is Rutherfurd's tendency toward didacticism. A storyline within a chapter flows nicely until--surprise!--there appears a paragraph one might expect to find in a textbook. Still, the book was a lot of fun for me to read. I especially enjoyed the Tudor-Stuart chapters and Rutherfurd's treatment of religious, social, and political reform throughout the book. A good read for folks with good attention spans and the ability to suspend their disbelief. The characters of Rutherfurd's imagination have some wonderful, whimsical close encounters with the rich and (in)famous throughout the tome.

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Summary: ABSOLUTLEY EXCELLENT
Review: I have a great interest in British history and this book really helps sum it all up. It is incredibly charming the way he continues to tell the story through the lives of a few families. Even though the characters changed in every chapter, I began to have certain feelings towards one family, whether I would like them or not based on their family history. A delight to read.