Hornet Flight

This book is based on a true story and shows Follett's usual immaculate research, creating a rich tapestry across which his characters play out their drama during WWII in occupied Denmark. Although you're faily sure of the ending in general terms it is an enjoyable ride seeing how the author gets you there.

Follett avoids the common flaws of thrillers by managing to have some character development. Harald and Arne's father is not just a cold pastor, he cares for his children as well. Both the Olufsens' and Duckwsitzs' mothers are not just housewives playing a pliant role by the side of the husbands, they are shown to be very perceptive. But somewhat incredulous is how Harald could have gotten out of the plane mid-flight and hung from it to refuel the plane. Luckily a strong plot overall allows one to overlook this incredulity.

Another good World War II spy thriller from Follett. This time around, the story centers on a young Danish student's efforts to help England discover how the Germans are able to shoot down so many British bombers.

Thematically, Follett explores the difference between a life (and a society) run according to duty, rules, and order---whether it's a Danish police detective cooperating with the occupying Nazis, or an evangelical minister destroying his son's dreams for one youthful mistake---and one of principle, liberty, and the individual pursuit of happiness---from listening to jazz music and riding a converted steam-powered motorcycle to get around wartime petrol rationing, to pursuing the deeper values of career, politics, and romance. show more Interesting and inspiring. show less

Follett is my new Griffin. 400 page books I can read in one sitting! I liked it, I am very fond of his wartime stories (knowing me, go figure). After reading this one I am tempted to take flying lessons. The bad thing about reading spy thrillers is that it REALLY goads me into wanting a silencer. At least I think its a bad thing. Mmmmm, silencer...soon.

Hornet Fight – Ken Follett
3 stars
Take a boy in his late teens; add a girlfriend and a derelict bi-plane. Place them all in German occupied Denmark at a desperate point in the war. Combine with despicable bad guys, heroes of the resistance and cameo appearances of important historical figures. This was a quick read with enough intrigue and suspense to keep me turning pages even as I laughed inwardly at the predictability of events. Follett does have a way of creating believable characters that have the unlikely ability to save the world when others have failed.

Although it is necessary to have a good imagination to believe that two 19 year-olds can accomplish so many daring feats of espionage and escape (The girl friend also dances a show more leading role with the Royal Ballet before the narrow escape in the refurbished plane.), the story is grounded in historical fact. According to the epilogue, there were two Danes who decided to escape the occupation in a small private plane. They made it to England and signaled their friendly status by putting a white shirt out the window. Sometimes real history is more exciting than fiction. show less

A wonderful read about the Danish resistance during WWII. It was good to read about the Danish Resistance during the war instead of the Americans or the British. Ken Follett kept this book moving along with great writing. A must read.

It's an enthralling fiction which is set in the beginning of WWll in Denmark. A young fellow was stumbling across a German military secret. During the plot he is trying to bring this secret to England. Until he could reach his target he, his family and his friends had to suffer mistrust and death. With the help of his love and his knowledge how to mend machines, he was able to reach his goal. The story is very fast-paced and in some parts I was holding my breath because I couldn't bear the twists and turns.