I didn't make it to Stonehenge on my only (thus far) visit to England however I did visit at least 20 other megalithic sites in Wales and Ireland and not once did I stand thinking 'what kind of personal hell did these builders go through while building these things?' Next time, I will.

Bernard Cornwell's new novel Stonehenge tells the story of of Saban, son of Hengall, who will be the architect of Stonehenge. In the process of building this marvel he will witness the violent murders of almost everyone dear to him. Throughout, Saban, who's name we are told means 'Favored One', comes across as a guy who would much rather be living a normal life instead of building history. Unfortunately, he is the son of the chief, one of his brothers is a power mad warrior, the other a mad sorcerer (and you thought your family was bad.). The first woman he falls in love with becomes a sorceress and the second is a goddess when he meets her (don't worry, he's third time lucky, more or less.)

Cornwell's novel is wonderfully researched as far as I can tell. For example, he mentions a site in Ireland that could only be Newgrange as already existing and I know from visiting that it predates Stonehenge by 500 to 1000 years (and is, for my money, more impressive, but that's another topic.) The characters are all very well developed. I found myself feeling sorry for Derrewyn despite what she did because I could understand why she did it. (I'm not telling either.) And the mechanics of building the site seem pretty darn sound to me. A lot more likely than Merlin flying them in.

Unfortunately, Stonehenge moves a bit slowly. It has the perfunctory exciting beginning where the hero almost gets killed, but that ends on about page 15 and then we have to watch the story develop so if you're looking for a thrill ride, look elsewhere. If you hold on and continue to follow Saban through the hell that is his life you'll be both pleased and sorry to see the happy ending. Pleased because Saban finally gets to be happy, but sorry that it's over just when Saban gets to be happy. But then, how much fun would it be to read about a happy guy?

Recommended: Yes