Winter of the World

In 1933 Berlin, young Carla von Ulrich is caught in the middle of her parents' heated debates over the rise of Nazism. Her mother, Maud , writes provocative articles against the Nazis, while her father, Walter, fears for their safety. The family's breakfast discussions reveal the looming threat of dictatorship, as Carla 's brother Erik parrots Nazi propaganda. This domestic tension mirrors the broader societal unrest as Germany teeters on the brink of totalitarianism. Carla accompanies her mother to The Democrat magazine, where they face a violent attack by Nazi Brownshirts. Carla 's quick thi

Theme 1: Tensions Rise in Berlin Kitchen

This thread running through Winter of the World gives the story its emotional weight. Ken Follett weaves it into the narrative with skill, ensuring that the reader feels the stakes as deeply as the characters do.

What Readers Say About Winter of the World

Winter of the World has resonated with readers for its emotional honesty and vivid storytelling. Many describe finishing it in a single sitting — drawn forward by Ken Follett's prose and an almost desperate need to know how it ends.

A Passage Worth Sitting With

"Tensions Rise in Berlin Kitchen" — Ken Follett, Winter of the World

About the Author

Ken Follett is the author of Winter of the World. Known for emotionally resonant storytelling, their work has found devoted readers across the globe.