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Original poster

A really gripping, well written saga. Bonus if it has separate chapters for each character!

119 replies

Radioundermypillow · 20/07/2025 09:21

Looking for something for my holiday. Loved Gone To Soldiers by Marge Piercy. Also The Bee Sting.

I really enjoy books where each chapter is about a different character or from their perspective.

Thanks!

OP posts:
Original poster
Radioundermypillow · 20/07/2025 11:31

Latenightreader · 20/07/2025 09:52

Ken Follett's trilogy about the 20th century- three huge but gripping books. They follow about half a dozen characters and their descendents through the events across the world and although sometimes the coincidences were a bit much I really enjoyed them.

I also love Maeve Binchy who is far less cosy than people assume. There is usually a happy ending though!

I'll look at that, thanks!

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LeeshaPaper · 20/07/2025 10:26

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 20/07/2025 09:25

The Poison wood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

I loved this - the first ¾ anyway. Have read it more than once. Her masterpiece!

sparkysalmon · 20/07/2025 10:25

The storyteller by Jodi Picoult

MelisandeLongfield · 20/07/2025 10:23

Maeve Binchy wrote a few books with this format - I find her hit-and-miss but 'The Copper Beech' and 'Evening Class' are in that format and quite good. Her best saga by far in my opinion is 'Light A Penny Candle' but it's not in chapter by person format.

SingtotheCat · 20/07/2025 10:19

I am currently reading “Birds Without Wings” by Louis de Bernie’s. It’s brilliant.

Cotswoldmama · 20/07/2025 10:08

My brilliant friend by Elena ferrante is the 1st of 4 in the series. It won best book of the 21st century by the New York Times. I loved it so much but others don't so I guess read the first book and if you love it there's 3 more!

mylovedoesitgood · 20/07/2025 09:57

Life After Life

Latenightreader · 20/07/2025 09:52

Ken Follett's trilogy about the 20th century- three huge but gripping books. They follow about half a dozen characters and their descendents through the events across the world and although sometimes the coincidences were a bit much I really enjoyed them.

I also love Maeve Binchy who is far less cosy than people assume. There is usually a happy ending though!

zaxxon · 20/07/2025 09:48

An Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears

The seven deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

Both of these are more fantastical than the books listed above, but they're still rewarding IMO

Stormroses · 20/07/2025 09:47

Also:
House of Spirits - Isabelle Allende
Fingersmith - Sarah Walters
Atonement - Ian McEwan (I hated it but many people love it)
Woman in White - Wilkie Collins

Stormroses · 20/07/2025 09:43

Poisonwood Bible, as mentioned above is a perfect suggestion for what you want.

EmpressaurusKitty · 20/07/2025 09:42

Radioundermypillow · 20/07/2025 09:26

How I wish I hadn't already read this masterpiece!

Show quote history

I listened to the first two books & gave up three chapters into Confusion - it was so depressing, & the repeated descriptions of messy eaters throughout the books made me feel sick. All the stuff about people dropping food on themselves was revolting and unnecessary.

The repeated love for the whole saga on MN makes me wonder if I’m missing something though.

Ilovemyshed · 20/07/2025 09:37

Plus:
Ken Follett Kingsbridge series and Century trilogy
Edward Rurherford - start with Sarum
Cynthia Harrod Eagles Kirov trilogy and War at Home series particularly

Enko · 20/07/2025 09:30

Idk if this is fully what you are after but what about Cynthia Harrod-Eagles Morland dynasty. There are a few more than 3 though... (36) but they can be read as a single. I loved this swries that was originally intended as history without tears', fictional characters in a real historical background.

Ilovemyshed · 20/07/2025 09:29

I have always loved A Woman of Substance and the sequels.

Also, The Thorn Birds
Delderfield Swann Trilogy
Delderfield Horseman Riding by Teilogy

Original poster
Radioundermypillow · 20/07/2025 09:27

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 20/07/2025 09:25

The Poison wood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

Ooh. I think i actually have that somewhere. I remember starting it years and years ago and not enjoying the beginning but it might be just the thing now, thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
Radioundermypillow · 20/07/2025 09:26

Dolamroth · 20/07/2025 09:22

The Cazalet Chronicles by Elizabeth Jane Howard

How I wish I hadn't already read this masterpiece!

OP posts:
DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 20/07/2025 09:25

The Poison wood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

Dolamroth · 20/07/2025 09:22

The Cazalet Chronicles by Elizabeth Jane Howard