momoj8's review against another edition
4.0
There are certain books that the women in my family pass around like a rite of passage and I finally received the privilege of reading The Pillars of the Earth. This novel was like a medieval soap opera and contained everything that would keep the reader interested. Though there were parts where the novel dragged, I am glad that I was able to read one of my aunt's favorite books.
curatoriasol's review against another edition
1.0
Most of this book belongs on r/menwritingwomen.
I don't mind historically accurate sexism. I don't even mind rape scenes in the right context.
An attractive woman, for absolutely no reason at all, undressing and climbing on top of a practical stranger who's on death's doorstep and has been grieving his wife for less than a day has nothing to do with historical accuracy. This man somehow overcame starvation and the loss of his self-professed soul mate to enjoy it to completion, too. They never even said a word to each other. Why did she want to sleep with him right then? Who knows!
I also don't think women excessively pondering their own breasts and how their loins feel as they sit in a saddle has anything to do with historical accuracy either. Maybe if the men talked about feeling the sway of their balls in their portions I wouldn't have minded so much.
As for the rape scenes, they are clearly meant to titillate.
Pass. I will never waste my time on this author again.
I don't mind historically accurate sexism. I don't even mind rape scenes in the right context.
An attractive woman, for absolutely no reason at all, undressing and climbing on top of a practical stranger who's on death's doorstep and has been grieving his wife for less than a day has nothing to do with historical accuracy. This man somehow overcame starvation and the loss of his self-professed soul mate to enjoy it to completion, too. They never even said a word to each other. Why did she want to sleep with him right then? Who knows!
I also don't think women excessively pondering their own breasts and how their loins feel as they sit in a saddle has anything to do with historical accuracy either. Maybe if the men talked about feeling the sway of their balls in their portions I wouldn't have minded so much.
As for the rape scenes, they are clearly meant to titillate.
Pass. I will never waste my time on this author again.
emiann2023's review against another edition
5.0
This is my second or third time reading this book. It ages like a fine wine. And, Follett's new book came out today, so I'm reading his books again to reorient mtseld.
No matter how you look at it, this book is massive. in scope, scale, and page count. And it's also frankly a draining experience after having read the other 3 books of his Centuries trilogy (where books average out at over 1000 pages. That aside, this is still an incredible read, and I look forward to finishing the trilogy this month.
No matter how you look at it, this book is massive. in scope, scale, and page count. And it's also frankly a draining experience after having read the other 3 books of his Centuries trilogy (where books average out at over 1000 pages. That aside, this is still an incredible read, and I look forward to finishing the trilogy this month.
lianamathias's review against another edition
5.0
I can't even adequately describe the plot of this book to people or make it sound interesting to someone who hasn't read it. I don't think saying it's about monks, medieval England, or cathedral building does it justice. My opinion went back and forth on so many characters but whether good or bad I was emotionally invested in all of them. This book is a true masterpiece from start to finish, so good that I basically devoured it in days and neglected my entire family.
zemroner's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.25
jehanne's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
melonknee's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
darkfirelights's review against another edition
2.0
Weird historical fantasy novel. Couldn't finish because to the amount of rape/sleazy male fantasy writing. I'm surprised it's so highly recommended/highly rated. The writing itself is serviceable but I wouldn't ever day it's poetic. Didn't get to make it for the supposedly epic romance. Oh whale