What you can do in a case like this is to take what you know and then speculate, Ken Follett tells TT via zoom from his home in England.
The monument consists of huge standing stones in two large circles. Some of the stones are of a type that is not found in the area and must therefore have been transported there. How did it come about? The idea to write about Stonehenge came when Follett saw the title “How to build Stonehenge” in a bookstore. He thought it sounded like the idea for a book.
Tougher than usual
The book begins with the words “this takes place 2500 years BCE” – BCE stands for “before the Christian era”. Follett is known for always doing very careful research before writing his historical novels, but when it came to “The Stone Circle”, it was tougher than usual.
When it comes to the Stone Age, there are no archives to go to. In Western Europe at that time, people could neither write nor read.
Among other things, he has based his work on archaeological finds: tools, bones and other things – and then speculated about the objects.
I am always meticulous with my research. Two renowned archaeologists have read the book at an early stage and made comments. I have also had historians read it early on. I think it happened like this. No one can say I am wrong. Maybe future research will say I was completely wrong. Then we just have to accept it.
Very violent
How does Follett think it happened? In short: different groups, such as farmers and ranchers, have difficulty keeping peace. It is very violent. A group of priestesses has a wooden circle that is important to everyone, but when it is burned down, they begin to wonder if it can be replaced with a circle made of other material.
Ken Follett is currently working on a new book. It's secret, but, not unexpectedly, it's a new historical novel. He says he always has a couple of ideas he ponders, then he takes the one that feels best.
I can't imagine a long vacation. Ten days, max, then it won't work anymore. Then I'll start writing again.
He also has a new rock band. The new band will play their first gig on February 7th. The venue is the legendary Dingwalls in London.
Our name is Vintage. We are all of an age that fits that name.
Age: 76 years.
Family: Wife Barbara, two children.
Lives: In Hertfordshire, England. Has an office in London.
Occupation: Author. Primarily writes historical novels, his books have sold nearly 200 million copies. Has received numerous awards. Active in the social democratic Labour Party. Also active in organizations that, among other things, combat illiteracy.
Previous books: "The Eye of the Needle", "Code Rebecca", "The Valley of the Lions", "The Sword and the Scepter", "The Third Twin", "A World Without End", "The Eternal Fire", "The Fall of the Giants", "The Winter of the World", "The Edge of Eternity", "Evening and Morning", "Never".
Current: With "Stencirkeln" now available in Swedish.
