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Summary: A Fantastic Portrayal of Medieval Life...and More
Review: This book was sent to me by my grandfather, an avid reader of all types of books. He figured I would like it because I am into medieval history. He could not have been more correct.I was familiar with the name Ken Follett, but not with his works. This novel would soon familiarize me with his unparalleled skill in spinning a world so believable you would think you were once a part of it. "Pillars of the Earth" tells the story of the construction of a cathedral in 12th century England through the eyes of several characters, and weaves a plot of political intrigue and subterfuge on the side. We are introduced to the unassuming pryor Philip, who is presented as the altrustic, model member of the Catholic church. He takes control of a struggling priory and seeks to return it to its former glory by building a cathedral in its walls. The simple but pragmatic Tom Builder, who is desperate for money and father of three, convinces Philip to let him lead construction on the cathedral. The book's plot expands to include the mysterious red-haired Jack and his feelings for the beautiful Aliena, who is also the object of desire for the villainous William Hamleigh. Without expounding too much on the plot nor without giving away any surprises, I can tell you that a natural and believable love story weaves its way through the novel, as does one of jealousy and political scheming. Follett does a superb job of laying bare to us the dark heart of man through the self-serving Waleran Bigod (perhaps a play on the word "bigot"?), who does everything he can to delay construction of the cathedral and work his way to the top of the Catholic church's heirharchy (he is a local bishop). The antagonist, William Hamleigh, is developed so naturally that he is a believable villain rather than a contrived one. His evil is real, because it isn't at all questionable that a person would kill and maim to achieve his own goals. It has been done before. And this is part of what makes Follett's novel so wonderful. His characters are so real that you feel like you've known them, and you hate for the book to end, because that's when you have to say goodbye. His descriptions are neither too sparse nor too overbearing, and the plot remains simple enough that you can follow it, but not so simple that you grow bored. In short, this is a spectacular read no matter what you enjoy. History fans will be blown away (the book is very accurate historically), as will readers of romance. The book touches a little on every genre, so if you like to read, you have to read this book!
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Summary: pillars of the earth..
Review: I was on a trip over this spring with a girl who was reading this book and every time I turned around, she had her head down, reading. She couldn't stop talking about it. When she finished, she was depressed it was over. I was so impressed just having watched her for two solid weeks that I borrowed it. I agree, it was well worth reading. Very very good. The first half, fantastic. But by the time i reached the second bit, it was becoming harder and harder to find good places to put it down so I could actually function in daily life. Despite its length, the plot never slackens, it's fast paced and exciting. There are few words wasted...it's a great story...
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Summary: A great read!
Review: This book was truly enjoyable. The story weaves between two central characters and how their lives changed throughout the years. It is an amazing story and a great ending.
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Summary: One of the best books I have ever read!
Review: There really is no way to capture the intensity of this magnificant book in a review. I am an avid and very critical reader; yet I can find nothing to criticize in this majestic novel. I have loaned this book out no less then eight times. The reaction I get is always the same: "That is the most incredible book I have ever read!" I think that response pretty much sums it up. Any outside projects you may have while reading this book will come to a grinding halt until the last page is turned.
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Summary: Fascinating read, hard to put down!
Review: This was the second Ken Follett book I have read. It is rich in texture, very satisfying to read. The character development is complete, the story telling easy to follow once defined. I spent every spare minute I had following the epic tale of Tom Builder and Prior Philip; their lives, loves, and adventures laid out with detail and complexities not expected in a work of this nature. I will certainly read it again, for there is much depth to the story, and more to understand the second and third time through. I was a bit intimidated by the length, but once I became familiar with the characters, it was easy to turn page after page. A must-read for anyone with an interest in the Middle Ages.
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Summary: Could have been so much better!
Review: I had read this book a long time ago and purchased it so I could read it again. I was so disappointed this time around. I personally thought the sex scenes were really drawn out and even unnecessary. I realize that some of them were part of the plot, but they certainly didn't need to be that long and descriptive. For me, they detracted from the rest of the book. Other than that complaint, the book was an OK read. The story was magnificent -- how much egos can clash in medieval England on the way to building a gigantic cathedral. It wasn't very artfully written . . . the rich storytelling just didn't seem to be there for me, but it did an OK job relating the plot. The fact that the plotline was so well-thought-out was the saving feature of this book. Everything makes sense, and the plot is good, but the writing just wasn't all that impressive.
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Summary: An Epic and Magical Tale
Review: Don't be intimidated by the size of this book. I truly enjoyed every moment of reading this beautiful story, finishing it was like losing a dear friend. Follet was able to portray both the beauty and evil of the Catholic Church of the time, and he created heroes and villains who became more and more alive with every turning page.
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Summary: Must be an acquired taste
Review: A friend recommended this book as a good introduction to Follett's writing. Rarely do I put a book down without finishing it, so at least I can say this book was unusual. Although I would never discourage someone from trying a new author (we all have different tastes), I would warn a new reader that the writing style is thick!
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Summary: This book has it all...
Review: You name it, this book has it! A love story, revenge, sex, lust, hate, betrayal, honor, courage, an all encompassing dream... This story, about a master stonesman and his quest to build a cathedral has stayed with me since I first read it many years ago. It is epic, sweeping, and a fantastic read. You cheer for the hero, boo the villian, and thouroughly enjoy yourself in the process. I have NEVER since gone into a cathedral and not seen the buttress' the way John did, or the arches, and how the ceiling is supported. I look for these things now. Could i build a cathedral? Heck no! Does this book make you wish you could? heck yes! BUY THIS BOOK!
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Summary: Pillars of the Earth - An outstanding novel . .
Review: When I was a child, my Mom read this book, and, as she completed sections of it, retold it to my younger brother and myself. Even then it fascinated me. When I went to Europe many years later, our tour guide mentioned the book while we were in England. When I returned home, I questioned my Mom about the book. She found her dusty copy and handed it over. I read it many times, lent it to a history professor, and shortly thereafter, bought another copy. This is an extremely captivating novel. Follett worms his way inside each character and brings them to life in bright, vivid colors. Even the most self-righteous church clergy are three-dimensional. This book will make you feel as if you are walking the footsteps of the characters in this 12th century novel. If you are in college and taking Western Civilization classes, you will recognize the real characters in this book (if you pay attention in class!) and they will seem so much more alive than your textbook could ever hope for. Whether you typically enjoy historical fiction or not, I think you will tremendously enjoy this novel. Now if he'd only make a movie (or mini-series) out of it!
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