Reviews

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

redentrapy's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad tense 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? Yes

4.5

fabulous79's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

sams84's review against another edition

5.0

After finishing Follett's Century series last year I couldn't wait to get started on this one and once again I was not left disappointed. This series takes places in the far earlier time of the 12th Century when the Church still has its monastries throughout the country and still has the power to protect its interests. The story follows Philip, a Welsh orphan who becomes the Prior of Knightsbridge, Tom, a master builder desperate for work to support his family and Ellen, a strong woman who lives in the forest and is often thought of as a wild woman and/or witch. All three find themselves thrown together as civil war, religious conflict and famine combine with power plays, conspiracies and prideful families dictate many aspects of their lives, from their day to day survival to their end. Along side these fictional characters, Follett again weaves in real-life and well known historical figures, bringing the story to life all the more and making the already familiar history of the time that much more vivid.

As ever Follett clearly makes sure he knows his subject matter well and weaves in lots of historical details about the places and events as much as the characters, making the story more poignant, vivid and tangible than any history lesson can. He also brings in the human aspect by making both fictional and non-fictional characters realistic with good and bad sides that one minute have you loving them, while the next you may well loathe them. Each character has their own tale that is woven into the overall story, bringing them together and tearing them apart, sometimes simultaneously. A brilliant book to get lost in during a 4 hour airport layover and a 8.5 hour flight!

averyhers's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

this book is so so so good and surprisingly fast and engaging for how long it is… BUT there’s literally no need for the graphic assault scenes 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault

coffee_cake's review against another edition

I want to read this, just probably not in audiobook form. Nothing against the narration. The pacing of the writing is too slow for an audiobook, for me.

jokurz's review against another edition

informative tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

rahuldeodhar's review against another edition

5.0

This book came highly recommended. But considering its bulk, it was on my to-read list for a while. But despite is bulk it is quite engrossing. I was intrigued by the story. It is long and oscillates between its ups and downs. Sometimes the characters behave improperly. But the story is engrossing. I am not sure I will read the rest of the series though.

It is a wonderful book about betrayal, politics and relationships. I kept thinking about these issues as the story progressed. Not quite sure how to process it yet without giving out spoilers. It is complex, real and nice. Do read it.

mermandy's review against another edition

5.0

One of the best books I've ever read! Has everything - romance, suspense, action...A true piece of literary genius.

belinda183's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

4.0

pikusonali's review against another edition

4.0

This epic 1000-page book is so easy to devour that you'll wonder how did you manage to rush through this so quickly.

Having heard so much about Follett and the Kingsbridge series, I had been dying to start this one. Imagine having a book on your 'to-read' list for over 10 years and still delaying the reading for some reason or the other! Uff, not cool!

At first glance, the Pillars of the Earth is a story of building a cathedral. But really, it is so much more than that. Filled with drama and mystery and romance and crime and a host of characters, it makes for a compelling read. And if you love historical novels, this book will provide you with the perfect entertainment.

I'd recommend the book only to those who harbour plenty of patience. This book is like a medieval TV series that proceeds at its own pace. Do not expect any quick action or rapid progress. Instead expect a lot of detailed and ornate writing about topics only peripherally integral to the storyline.

If you have the patience to read a big book, appreciate some fantastic storytelling and writing, and can deal with some risqué stuff, go ahead...give it a try.