''The Forest'' is a historical novel by

Edward Rutherfurd Edward Rutherfurd is a pen name for Francis Edward Wintle (born in 1948). He is best known as a writer of epic historical novels that span long periods of history but are set in particular places. His debut novel, '' Sarum'', set the pattern f ...

, published in 2000. Drawing on the success of Rutherfurd's other epic novels this went on to sell well and appeared in numbers of bestseller lists.

Plot summary

Set in the

New Forest The New Forest is one of the largest remaining tracts of unenclosed pasture land, heathland and forest in Southern England, covering southwest Hampshire and southeast Wiltshire. It was proclaimed a royal forest by William the Conqueror, fea ...

of southern England, this novel covers the lives of number of families tracing their history from the Saxons and Normans in 1099 through a " Jane Austen" style world of the early 19th century to present. Story and characters combine to reveal and decorate the narrative in an important region in England not often used by writers.

Reception

:''"As entertaining as Sarum and Rutherfurd's other sweeping novel of British history, London."'' —Boston Globe :''"The Forest is Michener told with an English accent."'' —St. Louis Post-Dispatch :''"As literature, Edward Rutherfurd's historical novels are not successful. They judder slowly along ill-made roads, like carts with square wheels, and the beauty of the scenery through which they pass does not entirely distract the passenger's mind from his aching bottom and tired eyes. As vehicles for delivering the fruits of research, however, they are not only efficient, but might truly be called works of art."'' - The Independent

Publication details

*2000, UK, Century (), pub date 6 April 2000, hardback (First edition) *2000, USA, Crown Pub (), pub date ? April 2000, hardback *2001, UK, Arrow Books (), pub date 5 April 2001, paperback *2001, USA, Ballantine Books (), pub date ? July 2001, paperback

Footnotes

References

* * 2000 British novels Novels by Edward Rutherfurd Historical novels Novels set in England Novels set in Hampshire New Forest {{2000s-hist-novel-stub