By Linda Elissalde
I loathed history when I was young. I mean it is all about old, dead people who lived a long time ago. You memorize dates and useless stuff. Who cares? That was until I encountered a most special history teacher at Lamar Tech in 1960. Dr. Ralph Wooster, a magical professor, created a past that was as alive as the present. Due to his influence, I later received a Master’s Degree in American History from the University of Houston. For those who never had that special person, I would like to suggest that you read Ken Follett’s trilogy about the 20th century. While the three books are inhabited by fictional creations, the historical facts are accurate. Prolific author Ken Follett has written award winning mysteries and creates just as much excitement with this genre.
FALL OF GIANTS, WINTER OF THE WORLD, and EDGE OF ETERNITY follow fictional English, Welsh, American, Russian and German families through the generation that saw World War I, the rise of Hitler and the Russian revolution, and World War II. The last of the three books deals with the Cold War, race relations in the US, and concludes at the end of the century.
The fictional families are interesting with all the interplay among different nationalities. Yes, there is sex. However, the insight shown concerning various factual folk is riveting. Some of those we most admire do have some less charming characteristics while those we are not so fond of may have a few saving graces. (Hitler and Stalin are definitely the exception. There just doesn’t seem to be anything good about these two old villains.)
So, if you are one of those who thinks that history is dead, or has nothing to offer you in understanding events that are happening now, I suggest you give Ken’s books a try. He does make the past come alive. Do keep in mind we will all be history to somebody someday.
(published 9/23/2014)
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