The Evening and The Morning by Ken Follett

Having listened to the other books in Ken Follett's series about life in the early centuries England I knew I was in for a fascinating look at a time that little has been written about and I was delighted to learn that the same narrator who has done many of his books recorded this book as well. His books are an investment due to their large volume but the story flows as easily as the river that runs by the little village in the book.  His characters are true to the time period yet we can identify with their joy and sorrow, their temptations and good deeds.  This saga begins in a little village with a wise young man who longs to be a builder and a  young woman coming from Normandy to wed the town alderman in an arranged marriage that she hopes is being made for love.  England is in danger from Viking raiders from afar but some of their local problems are universal such as political scheming,  skimming of the profits, bandits and  a reluctance to try something new.  Follett has the gift of writing about everyday life and people we don't know but feel like we could all the while teaching us about an interesting period of history.  For those of you who have not read his other series - this is the perfect one to start with and for his many fans - this is the one you have been waiting for. While this may not be for young listeners it makes for a very long enjoyable car ride.