This is the second book that I have read by Edward Rutherford. I read 'New York' years ago and enjoyed it so much that I saved the actual book to eventually reread (something I rarely do). But then again I am forever a New Yorker...

Equally, 'Sarum' did not disappoint. It is 912 pages yet moves along quickly.
In typical Rutherford style, the author focuses on one area, in this case Sarum or later known as Salisbury, in south central England. In his novels, Rutherford creates a fictionalized narrative using historically or geologically accurate events, sites and details, starting as far back as the Ice Age and progressing through to more contemporary times. He masterfully intertwines the 'descendents' of 5 families into each progressive chapter.

I especially enjoyed the chapter set during the construction of Stonehenge which gives a plausible scenario that answers many of the 'how' and 'why' questions surrounding the famed stone circle. Also interesting were the trials and tribulations of Osmund the mason during the building of the famed Salisbury Cathedral in the 13th century and his succumbing the the 'seven deadly sins'. I would love to visit that cathedral. Another page turner was the chapter titled 'The Death' where several of the family lineages get decimated by the great plague of 1348 as well as the later adventures Samuel Shockley and his time as a redcoat during the American War of Independence.

All in all, despite being a bit overwhelming, there's lots of good history that is told in an interesting way. It's not a light summer read but definitely worthwhile if you are headed across the pond for a visit. I would like to try and tackle his 'London' novel next...1152 pages though...