When the English Fall Audiobook By David Williams cover art

When the English Fall

A Novel

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When the English Fall

By: David Williams
Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer
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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 Amish & Mennonite Christian Fiction Dystopian Fiction Genre Fiction Hard Science Fiction Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction Amish

Editorial reviews

Editors Select, July 2017

Maybe it's because as a kid, Amish country was a vacation destination for my family (Lancaster, PA, was far enough away to make it an overnight and close enough to make it a regular thing). Looking back, it does seem a little strange, but those trips were mostly all about the drive itself, the furniture shops, and delicious breakfast foods. Then came the 1985 movie Witness, and my slight obsession with anything Amish was solidified. Whatever the reason, I was immediately drawn to David Williams' debut, which he refers to as post-apocalyptic Amish fiction. I'm also a fan of the epistolary novel, so this story told in a series of journal entries written by Amish farmer Jacob further piqued my interest. Without attempting a put-on Amish accent, narrator Eric Michael Summerer beautifully captures Jacob's calm affect and unassuming piousness. When the upheaval that's hit the outside world eventually arrives on Jacob's doorstep, his reaction and the final consequences are utterly fascinating to follow. —Tricia, Audible Editor
Unique Perspective • Intriguing Concept • Excellent Narration • Compelling Protagonist • Engaging Storyline
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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.

left feeling unsatisfied

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

Prophetic? I think so.

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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.

Excellent writing and believable story. Perfect narration!

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

Made me think a lot!

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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.

A Window to see Through

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The thoughtful narrator expresses the gentle beliefs and a way to react to hard times. I just wish there could have been an epilogue.

Gentle words for troubled times

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I thought that this book was an interesting and somewhat unique take on the dystopian novel. In so many books the protagonist has to finally give in to the need to protect themselves by becoming as violent as those around them. This book instead shows how the Amish, who do not believe in violence, choose to manage in a violent and suffering world. (I should probably mention that they do not emerge unscathed.) I thought that the book did a really good job of describing the Amish way of life and the reader was perfect for the role. I happen to live in an area with a strong Amish presence, which is part of what attracted me to the book, and I was not disappointed!

AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY

Interesting take on dystopian novel

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It was well written and had a good narrator. It was an interesting plot but I feel it could’ve been made more of. Just having it told from journal entries was interesting but it limited its impact and depth. Still, a worthwhile read and listen.

Interesting Story

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I was enthralled by this book. Something about the pace of the life of the main character's family, and his community, was lovely and hypnotic. And it was very grounding to have the real tangible concerns of the land, the animals, and the health of family while the "English"society was falling apart.

I would only warn that if you are looking for some exciting post-apoocolyptic story this isn't quite that - not really at all. It is an intimate character study of an Amish man, written in diary form.

And I absolutely loved it.

Read for the characters and community

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I always said the Amish would be the last standing during an apocalypse! They have skills!

Good read!

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