The Century Trilogy - 2: Winter of the World

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Berlin in 1933 is in turmoil as eleven-year-old Carla von Ulrich grapples with the rising tensions in her family amid Hitler's ascendance. Her mother’s friend, Ethel Leckwith, a former British MP, and her son, Lloyd, become embroiled in the harsh realities of Nazism. Lloyd discovers a group of Germans determined to resist Hitler, but their willingness to betray their country is uncertain. Meanwhile, Volodya, a Russian in Red Army Intelligence, closely observes these developments. The narrative unfolds across various locations, from Cable Street in London to Pearl Harbor, encompassing significant events leading to World War II and its aftermath. At Cambridge, Lloyd is captivated by the glamorous American Daisy Peshkov, who embodies everything his leftist family opposes, while Daisy is drawn to the aristocratic Boy Fitzherbert, a prominent figure in British fascism. In Berlin, Carla idolizes the charming Werner. Their lives and aspirations are ultimately shattered by the devastating war. This second installment in Ken Follett's trilogy presents an epic tale of global conflict and personal drama, intertwining characters from Germany, Britain, the USA, and the Soviet Union, while exploring key historical events and the impact of war on their interconnected families. The story also hints at the societal changes to come, including evolving attitudes toward race and sexuality.