Rating: 
Summary: What you didn't know you knew...
Review: Not only is Ken Follett superb at drawing a reader deep into the lives of his characters, he manages to teach a thing or two at the same time. After having finished the book (which didn't take long considering I cancelled everything in my schedule so I could keep reading it) I took a moment to reflect on my "journey"; well, lo and behold, I found knowledge in my head that I didn't have before!! Follett had me wrapped up so enthrallingly in his web of adventure, romance, and character conflict, that I did not notice his detailed history lesson in cathedral architecture and stonemasonery. Now, I'd never had any burning interest in either of these subjects, and it was certainly not the reason I read the book. But today, almost two years later, I still go to the bookstore and rummage through the architecture section looking for books on cathedrals. I wish you had been my high school teacher, Mr. Follett!! Thank you--I absolutely, positively, thoroughly enjoyed my history lesson.
Rating: 
Summary: good history, bad plot
Review: I can't see what all the hype is about this book. I thought it was only a so-so book. I loved the Michener-esque style of telling history through a fictional story line. But the plot in this book was so bad. The entire book felt like it was an "I got you last" contest of one-upmanship. In one chapter the villain does something horrible to the hero, next chapter the hero gets even, next chapter villain gets back at the hero, and back and forth, and back and forth. It was really irritating to read. I plowed my way through the whole book, but I don't recommend this book to my friends. If you are interested in this type of history/fiction read James Michener or Edward Rutherford instead.
Rating:
Summary: An epic glory
Review: There has rarely been as gripping a story as this one that touches on so many emotions and feelings. The story revolves around a select few characters and their struggle to reach their goals. The beautiful daughter of a fallen king wishes to regain her father's land, the gentle father wishes simply to build a cathedral that will be a true testament to his craft...and so on. Unfortunately for them, but fortunately for us, there is a counterpart to this cast of heroes, which is a devilish cast of villians whose goals conflict nicely with those of the heroes. All seven or so characters end up playing against each other, relying on fellow good guys or doublecrossing fellow bad guys as this handful of people tries to get what they want in the backdrop of an exquisitely drawn Middle Age England. This book is gripping and masterfully put together by an expert storyteller.
Rating:
Summary: The Pillars of the Earth
Review: I found this book at the airport in New York when I was on my way to Spain a few years ago. I thought I could use it to fill the quiet times during my two week trip. Fortunately, I had brought some other books because I could not put this one down and finished it in record time. It is a large book, but so interesting that I think I will buy it again to read on my trip to Turkey this year. Unfortunately, I loved the book so much that I wanted friends and family to have the oppotunity to read it and somewhere along the way I never got my original copy back.
Rating:
Summary: "Saga" is certainly an apt word to describe this book.
Review: This book was recommended to me by a friend who had read and loved it, however she had read a Scandinavian translation. Perhaps the translation smoothed many of the rough edges? I found it to be the storyline to be repetitive, the violence and sex scenes to be far too drawn out and over emphasised and many characters to be emotionally underdeveloped. I am giving the book 2 stars as yes, it did keep me reading until the end, but only in the unfulfilled hope that it would improve.
Rating:
Summary: Great Epic Novel
Review: Being a great Ken Follett fan, I picked up this book without reading the synopsis. When I started reading it I was somewhat leery about it. But after the first few pages I really got into the this book. I is a great story about the lives of a few families and a mans dream of building a great cathedral. Couldn't put it down. I was not disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Sweeping!
Review: Who would have thunk it? A book about churches that is riveting....maybe I should go this Sunday...
Rating: 
Summary: A Very Centered Work
Review: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett is the story of a church. It's not just the church but the people associated with it and the blood and sweat that go into constructing it.The Pillars of the Earth reminds me of the Victorian era novels of Charles Dickens. While not being as strong in his craft as Dickens, Follett still manages to create a landscape that is larger than the page. Follett constructs a real world of real people and emotions that is not easy to come by in comtemporary writing. The overall plot of this novel is not new (then again what plots really are?). However, it is told in such a way as to seem fresh and new. Ultimately, the book succeeds by incorporating many subplots into a coherent whole instead of weaving out of control like so often happens with such an ambitious work.
Rating:
Summary: An absolutely awsome read.
Review: This book is among the best I've read. It ranks right up there with Shogun, Hawaii, and The Source. Fast moving, lots of twists and turns, plus a peek into life back in the 12th century all contribute to a wonderfull book. Of note is the recording by Brilliance. They've accelerated the playback, so it plays at, what seems like, half again the normal speed (the pitch is correct, though). I like this, but some may not.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Earth
Review: The Pillars of the Earth is an excellent novel. Almost enchanting, it captures emotions that anyone can relate to. The characters are well-developed and extremely believable. A reader can find themselves connecting with the strong-willed Aliena and the pious Philip. Although somewhat sexually explicit, Follet weaves a wonderful tapestry of England through the eyes of characters both thoguht-provoking and heart-reaching. It's guaranteed to touch anyone. A must for any Ken Follet fan.....or just a fan of novels.
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