I read this book out of guilt.Two friends (a married couple) loved it,loaned it to me, and there was the obligation to read it. It is my first Ken Follett, and not the one that I wanted to read first. It took me “forever”to finish it. I am certain all of this influenced my rating. Well researched. Period from 1911-1924. Some real Historical characters. And others: Royalty,Miners,Suffragettes,Military,Politicians,RebelsFirst in a trilogy. My last.