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poppy4378's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed reading this book immensely! 12th century historical fiction, technicalities of cathedral building, political games between rulers and religious leaders and multiple likable characters. The villains of the story were truly malevolent and the good people were like most of us with shades of gray. I went with the audiobook and got done in a few days! Some of the deaths in the story were devastating to me as a reader. There were strong depictions of violence including violence against women. The mood of the book is very much like Game of Thrones! Truly remarkable and memorable book. The only gripe I have is the very neat ending.
brainra's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely loved this book! Recommended by a colleague in 2014 got it for Xmas and took it to Fiji !! It was a mammoth read but actually sad it has finished I have its follow on world without end to enjoy next though!
brainra's review against another edition
5.0
I became addicted to this book immediately it illustrates the sanctity of true love, determination and rising above the negativity that can so easily break the human mould. The descriptive story and the detail ken follet portrays is honourable and I n dying to read world without end!
lostinfrance's review against another edition
4.0
My father handed this book to me one day when I was leaving his house--- and I assumed it would either be a realy boring tome on architecture or a cheesy mystery; the two styles ot books my father reads. Instead...I found an interesting book about the building of a cathedral in 12th century England.
I am not up to date on medieval history---so who knows if it was historically accurate....and honestly, I don't care. I was looking for entertainment and a good story.
I enjoyed the book---I enjoyed the characters and knowing that by the end, the bad would suffer. I enjoyed reading about a monastary and the life of a village. The book was long, but pages flew by the deeper I got into the story.
The story? A master builder and his family settle into a monastary while his father builds the cathedral. There is a lady---who's life is destroyed and worked to gain her life back, a prior, an evil bishop and other miscellaneous characters.
I recommend if you like historical fiction, reading about knights....and learning about the construction of buildings.
I am not up to date on medieval history---so who knows if it was historically accurate....and honestly, I don't care. I was looking for entertainment and a good story.
I enjoyed the book---I enjoyed the characters and knowing that by the end, the bad would suffer. I enjoyed reading about a monastary and the life of a village. The book was long, but pages flew by the deeper I got into the story.
The story? A master builder and his family settle into a monastary while his father builds the cathedral. There is a lady---who's life is destroyed and worked to gain her life back, a prior, an evil bishop and other miscellaneous characters.
I recommend if you like historical fiction, reading about knights....and learning about the construction of buildings.
explodingalice's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted to love this. It has the makings of something sweeping and beautiful. Alas. There are multiple graphic rape scenes (so many), bad guy characters who are laughably one-dimensional, ludicrous coincidences, and enough mistakes to jolt me out of the story (is Richard’s scar on his right or left ear? Who knows?!). I finished it, which is a feat, but I have no desire to go further into the series.
elliepeake's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
charlietuna92's review against another edition
5.0
This is honestly one of the best books I have ever read. Follett has an amazing ability to create characters with so much depth that it is hard to believe they aren't real.
I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest is medieval history!
I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest is medieval history!
jkonczak's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
andreacpowers's review against another edition
I gave up about 1/3 of the way in. It's like a 70's TV soap opera. Telegraphs bad men, wicked characters. Foreshadowing fates. I was waiting for work to begin on the cathedral but it looked like it was going to take a while to get going.