Scan barcode
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.
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.
khaleesimod93's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
976 pages is a lot, even for me! Usually, with books this thick, I have an issue with drag and lag. Pillars of the Earth is a lot for anyone, but oh, is the story worth every page!! Each character is so beautifully developed and thought out. I love how none of the characters were 100% good or bad. That's so human and is relatable. We all have good and bad in us. Not only are the characters fleshed out and realistic, the writing and story building are stunning. The pacing is an ebb and flow, much like the ocean. In some spots, the tide comes quicker. In others, it meanders from character to character. As much as I have loved all aspects of this book, my favorite one is the women. Yes they are characters, but they deserve their own applause. Aliena was a joy to read. I loved watching her carve her own life and future after her life was obliterated. She didn't let those hiccups stop her. She had tenacity and drive to keep going. Ellen and Agnes aren't exactly strong characters, or what I usually consider strong, but they are themselves and find their own strengths and triumphs. I'm so glad I sat down and read this. While it's a lot, I don't regret it. Though, it's going to take me a minute before I'll read book 2. These babies are THICK!!!
wolfgold's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
3.75
potatoes90's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
5.0
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.