A Dangerous Fortune
A Novel
📘 About This Book
A tragic accident at a prestigious boarding school sets in motion a vicious conflict of political power, greed, and lust—a “breathlessly plotted [and] relentlessly suspenseful (The New York Times) historical thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Pillars of the Earth. “A terrific page-turner.”—Los Angeles Times In 1866, tragedy strikes the exclusive Windfield School when a young student drowns in a mysterious accident. His death and its aftermath initiate a spiraling circle of treachery that will span three decades and entwine many lives. From the exclusive men’s clubs and brothels that cater to every dark desire of London’s upper class to the dazzling ballrooms and mahogany-paneled suites of the manipulators of the world’s wealth, one family is splintered by a shared legacy. But greed, fed by the shocking truth of a boy’s death, must be stopped, or the dreams of a nation will die.
📖 Summary
Ken Follett's A Dangerous Fortune is a sweeping historical thriller that transports readers to the glittering yet treacherous world of Victorian England, beginning in the year 1866. The narrative opens with a tragic and mysterious accident at the exclusive Windfield School, where a young student drowns. This single, devastating event sets in motion a vicious, multi-decade conflict rooted in political power, greed, and lust. As the consequences of the drowning ripple outward, they entangle the lives of various individuals, pulling them into a spiraling circle of treachery that spans three decades. From this dramatic foundation, Follett weaves a complex tapestry that exposes the stark contrasts of London society during the era. The story moves fluidly between the exclusive men's clubs and hidden brothels that cater to the darkest desires of the upper class, and the dazzling ballrooms and mahogany-paneled suites where global wealth is manipulated by powerful financiers. At the heart of this turbulent era is a prominent family that becomes deeply splintered by a fateful share in destiny, ambition, and betrayal. The characters navigate a labyrinth of social expectations, financial schemes, and personal vendettas, where a single misstep can lead to total ruin. Throughout the nearly six hundred pages, the author maintains a breathlessly plotted and relentlessly suspenseful atmosphere. As the decades pass, the initial tragedy at Windfield School continues to cast a long shadow over the survivors, dictating their alliances, rivalries, and romantic entanglements. The novel explores how generational wealth is accumulated, protected, and often weaponized, showcasing the ruthless nature of the Victorian banking and political systems. Follett masterfully captures the ambition of those striving to rise to the top and the desperation of those fighting to maintain their precarious status. Ultimately, A Dangerous Fortune stands out as a terrific page-turner that combines meticulous historical detail with fast-paced storytelling. It delves into the corrupting influence of absolute power and the enduring impact of secrets kept in the shadows. Readers are treated to a vivid recreation of nineteenth-century London, complete with compelling characters whose fates are inextricably linked by ambition and revenge. Whether exploring the high-stakes world of finance or the intimate betrayals within family walls, Follett delivers an immersive historical epic that keeps readers guessing until the final pages.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Breathlessly plotted and relentlessly suspenseful narrative structure
Rich and immersive historical setting of Victorian London
Compelling exploration of high-stakes finance and upper-class society
Complex characters whose lives intertwine over multiple decades
⚠️ Cons
Dark themes and treacherous plots may be heavy for some readers
The large span of time and multiple characters require close attention
✍️ About the Author
Ken Follett (b. 1949) is a Welsh author known for sweeping historical fiction, including 'The Pillars of the Earth' and numerous bestselling thrillers.
View all books →❓ FAQ
Who is the author of A Dangerous Fortune? +
The book was written by Ken Follett, the number one New York Times bestselling author.
When is the story set? +
The narrative begins in 1866 and spans a period of three decades.
Where does the story start? +
The plot initiates at the exclusive Windfield School following a tragic and mysterious drowning.
What genres does this book belong to? +
It is classified as a work of fiction and a historical thriller.
How many pages are in the book? +
The published edition contains 578 pages.
