Ken Follett’s ‘Stonehenge’ Unearths Ancient Echoes & Modern Anxieties
LONDON, UK – Bestselling author Ken Follett is making waves with his latest novel, ‘Stonehenge – Die Kathedrale der Zeit’ (Stonehenge – The Cathedral of Time), a sweeping saga that transports readers back to the prehistoric era. In an exclusive interview, Follett discussed the spiritual resonance of Stonehenge, his continued concerns about Brexit, and the enduring fight for women’s rights, offering a fascinating glimpse into his creative process and worldview. This is breaking news for fans of historical fiction and a significant cultural moment, optimized for Google News indexing.
Stonehenge: A Spiritual Cathedral in Time
Follett’s new novel centers around the construction of Stonehenge, a monument that continues to captivate and mystify. “I was simply impressed,” Follett shared, describing his reaction to the site. “The place actually has something of a cathedral about it. Both have something spiritual, not very logical.” He draws a compelling parallel between the ancient builders of Stonehenge and the architects of medieval cathedrals, suggesting both possessed an innate understanding of how to create structures that evoke a profound emotional and spiritual response. Despite identifying as an atheist, Follett acknowledges experiencing moments of spirituality, particularly within the walls of a church. “In a church, you feel that people have been coming here for hundreds of years and thinking about their lives just like I am,” he explained. “That gives you a strange, pleasant feeling of being part of something – a feeling that you don’t quite understand.”
Freedom in the Stone Age: A Novel Approach to Historical Fiction
Unlike his renowned medieval novels, ‘Stonehenge’ presents a unique challenge: a lack of established historical figures. Follett embraces this constraint, viewing it as a liberation. “That gives me more freedom to invent things,” he stated. While the Stone Age lacks written records, archaeological evidence provides a solid foundation for his storytelling. “There is a basis of facts, and on that the author builds the invention,” he clarified. The novel also boldly tackles contemporary themes within an ancient setting, featuring a female protagonist, Joia, who leads a group of priestesses, and exploring queer relationships and lesbian sexuality. Follett insists this isn’t a deliberate attempt to inject modern values into the past, but rather a recognition that certain human experiences – violence, love, family – are universal and transcend time.
Brexit, European Unity, and the Shadow of Conflict
Follett didn’t shy away from expressing his strong opinions on current political affairs, particularly Brexit. “Everyone knows that Brexit was a disaster, only some people just don’t want to admit it,” he asserted, echoing a sentiment he’s voiced previously. He passionately advocates for greater European cooperation, even suggesting the need for a unified European army in light of growing global instability. “We urgently need a European army, because we have a Soviet leader who is clearly aggressive and who knows who he might attack next,” he warned, referencing the current geopolitical landscape. He believes that despite nationalist tendencies, increased collaboration is essential for maintaining peace and security.
A Lifelong Commitment to Storytelling and Social Justice
Follett’s commitment to social justice is deeply rooted in his personal history. He recounted his experiences during the second wave of feminism in 1960s London, recalling a pivotal moment when a fellow student questioned the unequal division of labor – specifically, why women were always expected to make the tea. He also reflected on his father’s traditional views on women’s roles, acknowledging that while not malicious, they were products of a different era. This personal connection fuels his continued exploration of women’s rights in his writing. At 74, Follett shows no signs of slowing down, already working on his next project. “I’ve loved stories since I was three years old,” he confessed. “It’s even more fascinating to write them myself.”
Follett’s enduring success lies not only in his captivating storytelling but also in his willingness to engage with complex issues and challenge conventional thinking. His latest novel, ‘Stonehenge,’ promises to be another thought-provoking addition to his impressive body of work, reminding us that the past is never truly past and that the lessons of history remain profoundly relevant today. Stay tuned to Archyde for further updates on Ken Follett and the world of literature.
