Before delving into the review, let me tell you that as a teenager, wars, battles, and revolutions were all about dates, armies, and causalities; we could not connect with the bygone time because of the lack of human story. I have had a love-hate relationship with the subject of history because the textual one makes me yawn, and the fictional one makes my heart poach with all the people whose lives were involved in the battle.
It is interesting the way fiction seeps emotion and knowledge at the same time. While I am writing this review, my heart goes to all the characters in the historical novel set in the fictional town of Kingsbridge.
Background Of The Novel
“The Armour of Light” is an extraordinary work of historical fiction that transcends conventional storytelling, immersing the reader in a world that is going through an industrial revolution. The society is under the hold of a tyrannical government aiming to transform the country into a commercial power. Additionally, Napoleon Bonaparte has risen to power with full force.
In the interview with Pan Macmillan, Ken Follet, the author of the book, said that the story is inspired by “Liberty’s Dorm”, a book written by historians who had gone to libraries and discovered manuscripts that were autobiographies which were written in late 18th century by the working-class people.
The novel is the 5th instalment of a series that you can read as a standalone. Through the eloquence of its prose and the depth of its thematic exploration, this novel stands as evidence of the author’s interest in writing about ordinary people involved in massive historical change.
What I Like
Divided into six parts, the book is set against the backdrop of the town of Kingsbridge, England, during the Industrial Revolution, which, instead of being a boon, seeped working-class people with fear. The narrative slowly unravels the layers of the story with a deliberate, almost meditative pace.
With 734 pages, it can take forever to read, but it allows the reader to fully absorb the nuances of the character’s struggles and the outcome of their choices. The world-building aligns with the political context, portraying a landscape that feels oppressively real, a testament to the author’s ability to conjure a vivid sense of place.
The story revolves around small groups of people knitted together as a community. But a character named Sal, who is a strong, independent woman, has a special place in my heart for her courage is remarkable. Here is an excerpt displaying her strong will: “If you ever touch that boy again,” Sal warns, “I swear I’ll cut your throat in the middle of the night, so help me God.”
She is a protagonist whose journey is as much an internal odyssey as it is an external one. The author’s treatment of Sal’s character is nothing short of masterful, plumbing the depths of his psyche with an empathy that renders her profoundly human. As Sal grapples with her own sorrow, her evolution is palpable, a testament to the author’s skill in portraying the complexities of the human spirit. Sal and her son lie at the heart of the story.
The thematic underpinnings of the story are both profound and relevant. The exploration of courage, morality, and the essence of humanity is rendered with a depth that invites introspection. The author deftly navigates the terrain of belief, presenting it not as a monolithic construct but as a deeply personal and often tumultuous journey. This nuanced treatment of progression sets the novel apart, offering a refreshing departure from more didactic approaches.
The prose drips like honey, characterized by its elegance and precision. Each sentence is crafted with care, weaving a tapestry of imagery that is at once evocative. The language is rich without being ornate, striking a delicate balance that serves to amplify the emotional resonance of the narrative.
While “The Armour of Light” demands a reader willing to engage with its contemplative style, the rewards are manifold. This is a novel that invites reflection, challenging preconceptions and prompting a re-examination of one’s own beliefs and values. It stands as proof of the enduring power of literature that illuminates the human condition, offering a narrative experience that lingers long after the final page is turned.
The novel is a literary gem that deserves a place among the classics of contemporary fiction. With its impeccable craftsmanship, profound thematic exploration, and vivid characterizations, it leaves us to ponder on the machinery revolution that is happening in today’s world.
We all know that I am talking about artificial intelligence. Just like Kingsbridge mill workers were worried about their livelihood, we too wonder how to infuse life with AI (artificial intelligence). In a nutshell, through ‘The Armour of Light”, we learn how people pave their way through revolution and changing times. It provides a window to the past that reflects our present.
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The book has been published by Pan Macmillan.