When the English Fall (Williams) - Book Reviews

Book Reviews
Apocalyptic stories are popping up everywhere these days, but David Williams’s beautiful, contemplative novel takes an unusual approach. He follows the only survivors who are immune to the devastation — the Amish — and they’re getting along just fine.… Moral people placed in impossible situations forms the crux of most good fiction, and When the English Fall is no exception …a  stand-out. It is thoughtful and thought-provoking — worthy of fine discussions for any book club. Highly recommended.  READ MORE …
P.J. Adler - LitLovers


Entrancing [and] deceptively simple, lulling, holding, at times, the power of prayer.
Boston Globe


An unusually good post-apocalyptic novel.… When the English Fall is thoughtful and the events are believable—even if the members of the Order are a little too saintly to be so. (The hypocritical, unhappy, or judgmental members of the community remain firmly off-screen.) And Williams lets his characters avoid truly wrenching ethical dilemmas, which might have deepened the novel. But Jacob is written as a witness, not a man of action—and he is so likable Williams just about gets away with it.
Christian Science Monitor


I never realized I wanted a postapocalyptic Amish novel, but the premise is so perfect I can’t believe that it’s never been done before—or that someone did it so well on the first try.
Adam Morgan - Minneapolis Star-Tribune


[S]atisfying.The diary format means the scientific details of the storm’s effects are vague and the most horrifying events are only rumored; this increases tension and keeps the narrative from becoming as dehumanizing or shockingly violent as other tales of the end of the world.
Publishers Weekly


(Starred review.) [The diary] perspective provides more introspective focus.… [A] quiet, ideas-focused dystopian novel that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page. —Laura Hiatt, Fort Collins, CO
Library Journal


(Starred review.) Williams' novel is the lyrical and weirdly believable diary of an Amish farmer…[after] some sort of atmospheric event knocks out the power grid everywhere.… A standout among post-apocalyptic novels, as simply and perfectly crafted as an Amish quilt.
Kirkus Reviews