Reviews

This was a wonderfully written piece of literature. Follett does a masterful job of intertwining characters, telling a detailed story, and keeping the reader engaged for every one of the 973 pages!

jamieannharvey's review against another edition

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5.0

If I had just read the description, and saw it’s size, I probably would have overlooked this captivating story! But thanks to many word-of-mouth reviews, I gave it a shot. I am not one to read books again but this was so good, I just may! It has become one of my favorite books and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and ALL things written by Ken Follett!

The story is very character driven and revolves around the medieval priory of Kingsbridge during the time of Anarchy in England. The newly appointed, chaste and ambitious, Prior Philip has a dream to rebuild the cathedral and bring God glory. In comes master-builder Tom who aspires to create the most beautiful Cathedral this world has ever seen, along with his family. But so many obstacles and villainous people stand in their way.

This book has everything! There are Kings and Empress’s, anarchy and war, murder, rape, treachery and perjury, a devious bishop, a battle for the Earldom against a wicked usurper, strong capable women, an alluring witch, loads of historical and architectural information, love and romance.

This book is about faith, hope and love. It is about fighting for what you believe in. It is about the underdog winning! It is about human relationships and how we treat one another. This isn’t the best summary but all I can say is...READ IT!

helenab18's review against another edition

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challenging dark hopeful sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

katylang's review against another edition

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5.0

This is an "epic novel." I got completely lost in and caught up in this book. Follett is a great storyteller and brought this time period (middle ages) to life for me. Honestly you could sum the story up in a few pages (regarding the cathedral being built, etc. etc.) but the story he weaves around the numerous characters, how their stories intertwine, and the triumphs and struggles that they face is interesting, heartwarming, funny, and epic. I enjoyed my mother's borrowed copy so much that I went out and bought my own and am looking forward to reading it again! Plus, it is nice and lengthy, which is good for someone like me who reads super-fast. It's not necessarily an easy read for Follett likes his prose, but again it's wonderful.

lacafe13's review against another edition

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Too graphic

floribunda52's review against another edition

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5.0

This was a long listen -- 32 discs! -- but so worth it. The narrator did a wonderful job, and what a fabulous story...

marthalclausen's review against another edition

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4.0

I enjoyed the information about stonecutting and masonry and engineering in this book. It gave me the desire to go visit some of the world's cathedrals and appreciate the artistry first hand. There was a bit of a mystery throughout the book and all sorts of struggles between good guys and bad guys, different kinds of good guys, man and nature, and church and state. It kept me reading and, though it's pretty long, it was a book I looked forward to having a minute to open whenever I could.

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