Sarum: The Novel of England

The first novel I read by Edward Rutherfurd was, RUSSKA. I was enthralled and hooked by the sheer scope of his writing, and I knew I'd read more of his novels. Historical fiction has always been my favorite category of great books. I am often asked why I prefer historical fiction, and the reason I give is that the great writers in this genre, including Michener and Rutherfurd, introduce fictional characters who lived amidst actual historical events; epic periods that transformed human history. The great writes paint a canvas, which makes these historic events all the more fascinating. But also, the reader gets to know what the characters are like in the way one gets to know a new neighbor or a co-worker. We are able to learn how these characters coped during critical and turbulent times during human history. When done well, the great writers allow us to meet their main characters not unlike in today's high tech virtual reality. We learn what they are thinking, and how they feel about their personal dilemmas, and about the social/political/religious events that occur in their daily lives. For readers [like me] who have a good imagination, when led by a great writer, we can visualize the faces and hear the voices of the characters these great authors create. We can feel their pains, their passions, their fears. We get to know the intricate details of their personalities. In fact, there are many we come to love and despise, and there are many who we can relate to. Most of all, when introduced by the BEST writers/authors of historical fiction, there are many character who we remember for years to come, if not the remainder of our lives. Oh my! In this regard, Edward Rutherfurd's SARUM did not disappoint. From the very beginning, I became captivated by the early history about the settlement of Sarum and the events that led to the founding of Stonehenge, which was one of my favorite sections of this great novel. Specifically, I enjoyed Rutherfurd's description and vivid details of how Stonehenge was evolved. Of the various theories, Rutherfurd chose the most plausible. And he begins by introducing the reader to the mason, Nooma, who through an amazing tale was put in charge of building Stonehenge; a character described as a short unsightly man, broad at the shoulders with a big head, etc., and how he was beset with constant problems trying to build the temple by a seemingly impossible deadline given him by the High Priest. The reason I so thoroughly enjoyed Rutherfurd's conception/description of the character he created in Nooma, was because despite the improbable odds, I came to understand Nooma. I knew that Nooma was very proud of his craftsmanship, and that he would figure out how to solve each enormous problem, such as the task of moving the massive stones to the building site. And, through Rutherfurd's excellent story telling, I felt compassion for Nooma because he won my affection. It was as if I knew him personally, for many years. I felt sympathy for him knowing that he was dealing with a wife and friend who deceived him. But also, Nooma became more endeared to readers because we sensed his fear, and the urgency he faced as he tackled the tasks before him. From a 'practical' perspective, Nooma knew and understood all too well that he would be sacrificed to the Gods if he didn't meet the High Priest's deadline. Also, Rutherfurd's [fictionalized] story of Stonehenge allows the reader to better understand how knowledge of astronomy evolved, and how astronomy would forever play a major role in both religious ceremonies and everyday life. Furthermore, in SARUM, the chapter about the building of Stonehenge gave me a better understanding of how similar [most] ancient societies are respective to religious rites [including human sacrifice to the Gods], and the power that high priest/spiritual men/shamans have over kings, emperors, and tribal chiefs. If you are a fan of historical fiction, you too will enjoy this amazing epic. Rutherfurd is a master story teller, and he leaves no details undone. I highly recommend that you add, SARUM THE NOVEL to your collection. Maizie Lucille James July 11, 2010

For a book begun with so much promise - literally in prehistoric times - there were disappointing gaps. The structure, following the history of 3 families throughout millennia, was imaginative and engaging, and the research, impressive. But to have leapt from the ninth century to the eleventh, completely bypassing the effects of the Norman invasion, left one feeling robbed; and flying through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries was a real letdown, though I can understand that by then, the author was probably thoroughly sick of the lot of them, and eager to be done. I wouldn't recommend it to a genuine historian, but for a member of the general public it's a splendid bird's-eye scan of the rich history of one of the world's most important and influential nations.

In "Sarum: The Novel of England," Edward Rutherford expertly weaves a sprawling narrative that spans centuries, chronicling the lives of five families as they navigate the shifting landscape of British history. Through the perspectives of the Wilsons, Masons, Porteus, Shockleys, and Godfreys, Rutherford captures the essence of England's evolution, from prehistoric times through the tumult of the medieval period and beyond. The richly detailed storytelling immerses readers in the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of these families, creating an intricate tapestry of life that reflects the broader historical events shaping the nation. Rutherford’s ability to blend personal stories with significant historical milestones creates a compelling and immersive reading experience. "Sarum" is not just a historical novel; it is a profound exploration of struggle, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit that has defined England throughout the ages.

The book was long and packed with historical detail. Sometimes the history became long and tedious for someone who is not a historian. Sometimes the jumps to another time was abrupt and hard to follow. The ending was rather abrupt and left the reader confused and disconnected to the story.

For those who have read not read James Michener, Rutherfurd can be best described as Michenerian. But having read "Russka" some years back, and now making my way through "The Forest," having read "Sarum" and "London," the two authors are better thought of as fraternal, rather than identical twins. Rutherfurd is arch where Michener is wistful, his characters common where Michener's are plain. Rutherfurd exposits as a schoolmaster, while Michener does so as a scientist. Rutherfurd is British and Michener American. I like neither better, but find that where Michener will spin a tale to its relentless conclusion, Rutherfurd will move on to the next chapter, the next decade, even the next century once he has told the story he likes. Michener seems to abhor loose ends, sometimes to the point of boredom. The Rutherfurd narratives seem to be ok with distractibility; tale told, move on. Michener has been enjoyable. Rutherfurd has made me laugh out loud. Sarum is a narrative of England, as is "The Forest" and "London." Other reviewers critiquing his books have objected to his borrowing themes in one book for another. This does not detract for me. I actually look at the 3 books as 3 different views of England. It is certainly true that its history is rich enough to deserve 3 different levels of exploration of the city, "London," the town, "Sarum," and the countryside, "The Forest.". The various population densities of the English culture he portrays has actually led to 3 separate sorts of English cultures each of which truly deserve their own book and deserve the opportunity to borrow from each other where appropriate. I enjoyed this book and all of his books very much. I recommend reading "London," "The Forest" as well as this. They all bring something slightly different.

Rutherfurd's imaginative weaving of human frailty and bravery into multi family experiences traced through the major events of English history is entertaining and informative. One trusts that his research each into the manors and means of survival, as these evolve through the approximately 6000 years that his many stories move, provides an accurate picture of these changes as they influence the individuals in the stories themselves. There is an occasional slip, as when he has a WWII Ametican pilot of a P 47 carrying 1000lb bombs on sorties into Germany. The P47 was an escort plane whose only mission was to protect the bombers as the bombs were dropped on their targets. P47s never dropped bombs but where only equipped with 8 9mm cannons. His imaginative connections of family name changes and the origins of English terms such as "spinster" from the historical development of the task of spinning cotton into thread being given to single women provides delightful little nuggets of joy to the reading. In spite of the attempt to use the histories of specific families as a device to hold the story together giving the reader, instead, a sense of following a series of short stories, this is a delightful way to bring history alive.

I have noted with interest the number of reviewers who are not charmed by "Sarum." If a person is not enthralled by Stonehenge he might not be enthralled with this epic book. Perhaps a person has to be a Stonehenge junkie to enjoy Rutherfurd's sojourn into Neolithic Britain and the long, long road to the present. Many years ago, when you could still roam around Stonehenge, I sat on one of the great rock slabs The rock felt cool even though the sun was shining. I ran my fingers over the lichen tracings which were as delicate as lace and I thought "hundreds of years from now when I am long gone, this rock and this lichen will look exactly the same as they do now." That was sixty years ago. As the author remarks in Sarum "the glory of the Island was made of stone." If wonders like Stonehenge thrill you, chances are good you'll love "Sarum" and the descriptive events swirling around the great astronomical monument are among the best in the book. The superb Salisbury Cathedral is also a nucleus of activity and a reflection of the English spirit and made of stone. This immense novel takes a long time to get through but perseverance is worth it and you'll come away thinking about Britain in a new light because you will feel yourself an observer. You were there when Neolithic men first came down from the North, you were there for the next 10,000 years. In the Fifth century Britain is over-run with the Romans, then Germanic tribes-the Goths, the Saxons- and the Viking marauders from the north. King Alfred the Great manages to keep his kingdom of Wessex from being conquered by its numerous enemies and from that small kingdom Britain the Island will become England the country, a diverse people under one flag. As the history panorama rolls by you'll visit Norman England after the Conquest. In the fullness of time men will marvel at the great Sarsens at Stonehenge but they have forgotten what the eerie circle of silent giants was for. Sarum follows the lives and fortunes of five families who lived on the Salisbury Plain- the family of Porteous, the Wilsons, the Masons, the Shockleys and the Godfreys. Families like these and the individual men and women who comprise them, some good, some bad, mold England over the centuries, give it its character, its uniqueness. In the fourteenth century come the reigns of John, the magnificent Edward I and his disastrous son Edward II. Salisbury Cathedral rises from the plain, a church so light and airy it looks from a distance as though it were made of lace. The Black Death, a bacterial disease spread by fleas fro rats, decimates the population of Europe. In the Fifteenth Century Henry V wins the battle of Agincourt. The Tudor dynasty emerges after the death of Richard III. Henry VIII dissolves the monasteries, England is plunged into Catholicism by Mary and Elizabeth I wrenches the country back to Protestantism. She demands the Cathedral at Salisbury to contribute money to fight the Spanish Armada, knowing that the Spanish ships are positioning themselves for invasion. She executes her mortal enemy, "the Frenchified Mary Queen of Scots." In the Sixteenth Century James I and his son Charles, devoutly believing they rule by divine right, try to govern Scotland as well as England without understanding either country. In the next century Cromwell, the Restoration. Citizens are buffeted one way then the other. The nineteenth century. Napoleon. Nelson. The little frigate called the "Euryalus" is tucked right next to Nelson's ship the "Victory" at the Battle of Trafalgar. "We were Nelson's watchdog" the seamen said. "We were his extra eye and arm." But Nelson in his admiral's jacket covered with flashing medals strides across the deck, giving orders, an easy mark for an enemy sniper. A concise description of the great battle which destroyed the French navy forever is written into the story. The British nation becomes an Empire, stretching around the globe. Queen Victoria is not mentioned. Author Rutherfurd's authoritative and convincing story goes to the heart of the British nation, to the people who are the country's backbone. And Stonehenge, which had fallen into private ownership, was sold in 1915 to a gentleman for 6,600 pounds. In 1918 that gentleman gave Stonehenge to the nation.

This is a great adventure, Rutherford is a wonderful story teller!!!

Having travelled to Salisbury and Old Sarum a few times in the past I had to have this book. And I enjoyed following the history of Sarum from its very beginning - or better still from before then. The characters in the book are most of the time merely a vehicle to transport the well researched history of Sarum. Next time I visit Salisbury and Old Sarum I will definitely see it with new eyes.

Found the derail and description well written. It took me a while to get into the storyline and from that time I found it difficult to put down Following the families and how each they made their dynasty or failures was well presented.

Livre très intéressant

Really enjoyed it. One of the best historical book I ve ever read. Each story is fascinating and tells you a lot about English history.

Interesting and entertaining historical book, integrating some known facts with great story telling, shifting through time from the ice age onwards. I appreciate historical story telling is not to everyone’s taste, plus some reviewers appear to concentrate on specific aspects of the book, e.g. that most of the leading characters are male. However most documented evidence through the ages does concentrate on the named “heads” of households which until recent times were invariably male. All I can say is I really enjoyed this book, possibly because of experiencing the places described before reading it. I read this first over20 years ago when I lived in Bath and had visited Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge, which helped me in forming pictures of events in my head. If you are able I certainly recommend visiting these sites before or during reading the book. Since that time, somewhere along the way I lost the huge paperback. With this now being available through Kindle I decided to dive into it again and am glad I did. Although one reviewer states not to buy this to read on the Kindle, due to being unable to read the maps/family trees on that device, I easily got around that problem. I first loaded it onto my iPad, printed off the maps/family trees (which gave me a larger map than in the book) then used my Kindle to read the book. Problem solved.