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A review by sarsaparillo
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I had been looking for a new historical novel series and this one seemed to come up a lot in recommendations. My previous favourite was Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle and so that's a point of comparison for me.
Firstly, this is simply a cracking good story, well told. The language is very plain and simple. No artifice or flowery prose or show-off vocabulary. No clever tricks. It's just a compelling drama with compelling characters.
Unlike Stephenson's often morally fluid characters, this book is pretty clear about who the heroes and villains are, and the plot is a some what straightforward rollercoaster of victories and setbacks, coming at at such regular pace that it never gets boring or off-putting.
I really enjoyed and appreciated the attention to detail in the world-building. Follet clearly enjoyed researching the time period and filled the book with details about the economics, social stratas, lifestyles, diets and day-to-day concerns of a broad swathe of mediaeval English life. Religion was a huge art of their mindsets and despite not being religious myself I was able to sympathize even with the most devout monks, which make up a large part of the story.
And there is a central theme arousldnt he cathedral building concerning perfection of craft, practising a trade, having grand ambitions and innovatingsl, which is very heart-warming.
If I had to criticise something it would be that the to-and-fro of struggles between and good guys and bad guys went on perhaps a bit too long, and the graphic violence and particularly the sex can be a bit on the nose. But such scenes and few and far between. Most of it is just an ode to good stone masonry and simple peasant table fare. Sweet stuff.
Firstly, this is simply a cracking good story, well told. The language is very plain and simple. No artifice or flowery prose or show-off vocabulary. No clever tricks. It's just a compelling drama with compelling characters.
Unlike Stephenson's often morally fluid characters, this book is pretty clear about who the heroes and villains are, and the plot is a some what straightforward rollercoaster of victories and setbacks, coming at at such regular pace that it never gets boring or off-putting.
I really enjoyed and appreciated the attention to detail in the world-building. Follet clearly enjoyed researching the time period and filled the book with details about the economics, social stratas, lifestyles, diets and day-to-day concerns of a broad swathe of mediaeval English life. Religion was a huge art of their mindsets and despite not being religious myself I was able to sympathize even with the most devout monks, which make up a large part of the story.
And there is a central theme arousldnt he cathedral building concerning perfection of craft, practising a trade, having grand ambitions and innovatingsl, which is very heart-warming.
If I had to criticise something it would be that the to-and-fro of struggles between and good guys and bad guys went on perhaps a bit too long, and the graphic violence and particularly the sex can be a bit on the nose. But such scenes and few and far between. Most of it is just an ode to good stone masonry and simple peasant table fare. Sweet stuff.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Murder, and War