When the English Fall

A Novel

By: David Williams

Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer

When a catastrophic solar storm brings about the collapse of modern civilization, an Amish community in Pennsylvania is caught up in the devastating aftermath. Once-bright skies are now dark. Planes have plummeted to the ground. The systems of modern life have crumbled. With their stocked larders and stores of supplies, the Amish are unaffected at first. But as the English (the Amish name for all non-Amish people) become more and more desperate, they begin to invade Amish farms, taking whatever they want and unleashing unthinkable violence on the peaceable community. Seen through the diary of an Amish farmer named Jacob as he tries to protect his family and his way of life, When the English Fall examines the idea of peace in the face of deadly chaos: Should members of a nonviolent society defy their beliefs and take up arms to defend themselves? And if they don't, can they survive?

©2017 David Williams (P)2017 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Prophetic? I think so.

This book is possibly a foretelling of things to come in the not too distant future. I hope it is not.

Excellent writing and believable story. Perfect narration!

I was very interested in finding out how the nonviolent would respond to violence. I'm the hands of a lesser author, this could have been a typical shoot-em-up. Good guy destroys bad guy. Or vice versa. It wasn't your tweenagers post apocalyptic novel.
I usually listen to books at 2x speed, the speed at which I read. I listened to this narration in normal speed, enjoying the nuances of the accent. All the character voices were done beautifully.

Made me think a lot!

Was not sure what to expect, what I got was a book that kept me interested from a variety of angles.

left feeling unsatisfied

the story was beautifully written but as the book was coming to a close I definitely had more questions than answers. I guess that's the nature of this book. it was an interesting perspective and I enjoyed listening to the main characters thoughts.

A Window to see Through

What made the experience of listening to When the English Fall the most enjoyable?

It renewed my hope and belief in what the human race can be and that we have a purpose, also in the power of faith in something. I loved having a window into another way of life I have long thought I admired but couldn't fully imagine. I liked all the characters, especially the main character Jacob. I wanted to be part of the family, learn their skills and attitudes, and have their strength of faith.

What other book might you compare When the English Fall to and why?

It reminded me a bit of Margaret Atwood's "Handmaid's Tale". The way the world really can turn on a dime and become an entirely different way of life - or death. So many things thought to have meaning could end up with no value at all. They are both wake-up call books.

Have you listened to any of Eric Michael Summerer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not but will look for them. His performance was extremely good.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, in fact I almost did. If I hadn't had to go to work I would have.

Any additional comments?

I love books that engender respect in other ways of life and educate as well as uplift. This wasn't a book about an easy life but it showed plenty of the goodness of it. It was faith in the face of fear and adversity. It's important to have books like this.