Overall, this story is very good and captivating, and his writing is outstanding and so descriptive, you feel like you are watching this story unfold right in front of your eyes. It's hard to put this book down until it's finished. One thing though, and I agree with another reviewer, is that Follett repeats himself a lot, about the description of people, the churches, acts of violence, etc. I dont know if Follett was trying to stretch out his book, or he is the kind of people that repeat things they say (you know, like old people who say things or ask questions over and over again). Like most stories, this one has some holes too. You don't get to them until the very last chapter, and if you are like me who read the whole book in one stretch (your memory is still fresh of all the details from the start), you will get a bit disappointed, not enough to ruin your fascination with the lives in this story. I also feel like Follett was rushing at the end, trying to wrap things up quickly, too quickly. Still the best story I have seen in a long time. So interesting that I even went to look up Kingsbridge, Sharpsburg, and all other cities to see where they are, what they look like, and it makes me want to travel to see the churches myself. For your information, it's a total fiction. The massive Kingsbridge church is a figment of imagination.Read full review
This is the second time I am reading this book. First time was a small paperback, small print, almost went blind trying to read it. Book has history, it’s compelling, informative.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I read the 1st book in the series years ago. Then I found out there was a series so I purchased all 3 so I could read the 1st one again and then read the other 2. Both of my grown daughters want to read them when I’m done.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Ken Follett is a historian by training. He put that love for detail to excellent use in his earlier writings such as "Eye of the Needle" or "Hornet Flight," both suspenseful and excitement-full stories. In "Pillars of the Earth," Follett reaches back to the twelfth century, to what life was like surrounding the origins of the grand cathedrals of Europe. The narrative is paced, awkwardly at first, as if you were actually conversing with the inhabitants of those living the hard life of the day. The descriptions of the food ("horse bread"), bedding (a thin pile of damp straw), and the very names (Tom Builder, a stone mason hired to help "build") evoke a feeling of what life was like. You feel you are right there beside the characters. Life was hard back then, risky, and you grind your teeth sharing the experiences as you read. Although this beek came out years ago, Oprah had just recently selected it as a favorite, and that sent sales through the roof---for the second time. There is not a better read, not that I've come across in the past twelve years or so. You will sweat, laugh, learn, appreciate life all the more as you work your way through this fully engaging experience; yes, your sense will be more of experiencing it rather than reading it. Enjoy! RJ de Pontbriand, MDRead full review
I am enjoying reading this book, two reasons why i bought this book is because it is based in england and based around stonemasons, I am from england, been in canada just 4 years, and i also am a stonemason by trade, so i can relate to all this book, it is a great view into early english history, it is easy to read nothing complicated, a book you find hard to put down.
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