History Lesson with a twist
598011
Fantastic version of what could transpire back in the era of Julius Caesar!! I found the story to be captivating, entertaining, and very realistic. How I wish my history books could have been written such as this...I might have had a better interest in history! Hoping the sequel is as good! Can't wait to read it!
983798
The Last Paradise is part history lesson, part love story, part adventure. Beautifully written and translated, the novel takes you to a place in history that most people know little about. Americans in the newly formed Soviet Union, searching for something beyond the struggles of the depression in 1930s America.  As we look back, it seems a foolish place to ground their hope, but looking through their eyes, we see why they would take such a journey and believe the promise of paradise. The characters in this book will captivate you. The twists in the tale will surprise you. Highly recommend this novel!
3402313
It's a mystery with history lesson. It's good to be reminded of the struggle women have had in traditionally men's professions  and the fortitude Dani needs to succeed.
Loved the surprise ending!
3793706
I think that most of us can agree that history was not our best subject to learn when in school. I find it unique that the author would take such a historical topic and spin it around into a great story filled with time travel and adventure. I personally gained a greater respect for the heroes of America. Instead of reading about this event in a textbook filled with facts and citations, I felt like I could experience this along with Ell first hand. I definitely would recommend for all of the history geeks out there. It was a great story and an easy read. Maybe even children still in school could appreciate this book. I did.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
937893
An interesting blend of history and mystery
1629195
It was a good read made better by the TV series that played while I was reading. A wonderful lesson in our history that should be required in our schools.
2445028
I enjoy a story that reveals what could have been happening behind doors, usually closed to the average person.  The White House is a place of mystery to me and this story, revealing the interaction of President Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln and the dress maker was delightful.  It also opened my eyes to the human aspect of both of the Lincolns.  Also it exposed the faithfulness of Elizabeth who although being able to buy her way out of slavery, permitted herself for many reasons to tie herself to the Lincoln family.
I want my 5 granddaughters to read this story.  The history lessons, the fight for freedom for the slaves, the miseries of life for those involved, should open their eyes to the fact that history is not dull and boring. I came away from the read with a better appreciation of those times.
1159228
Thank you Ken Follett for this well written and articulated novel and history lesson all in one volume.  The story is captivating and you will find the book hard to put down.  Read about religious persecution and be reminded how history seems to always repeat itself, but most of us forget.  I am not giving away the story.  Pick it up.  I doubt you will put it down before you finish it.
4575422
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and feel  the author wove all the pieces of the story together in a very clever manner. We were given a  history lesson about the Hungarian Revolution in a very entertaining way. Was very anxious to find out what the end would bring for the characters. The picture that was painted of the Buckeye/Hungarian community during past years, left me with the feeling that I had truly missed something special by not growing up in the community. Would highly recommend this book to young and old.
277041
Interesting look at an historical event that I knew nothing about. You really get to know the characters and a feel for what they experienced.
8681
This well written book was quite a history lesson.  I highly recommend this novel to anyone that loves a great story based on historial events.
3674448
I loved this book.  The format was a nice change of pace (just letters) and yet you felt you really got to know the characters.  A good history lesson for us as well.  Easy to read, but not always easy to take.  Definitely would be a good read for a book club.  Lots to discuss.
613179
Great to read a book that was not only enjoyable but a history lesson all in one. Will be reading Pajer's 2nd book for sure.
3456415
Very interesting reading.  Enjoyed the history lesson.
2876300
Although written for kids it is a great history lesson for everyone!! I would recommend for all ages. Well done.
2152628
This tale offers what a good historical novel should: an opportunity to glimpse a time and place far removed from our own. In this case, Oxford England in 1353. Yet the historical details never bogged down the story, which followed the sometimes bumbling attempts of a bookseller to find the culprits of a young Oxford student killed under mysterious circumstances.
I enjoyed the tale from beginning to end. The characters were believable and interesting, the plot twisted enough to keep me turning pages, and I came away with a new appreciation for the art of bookmaking in the days before printing presses.
I will be adding more Ann Swinfen books to my TBR list.
1886002
It was a great history lesson!
The first three quarters of the book were very good and but then just seemed to get in a hurry to finish.  I would highly recommend the book for the history lesson.