The Pillars of the Earth

Rating:
Summary: Superb!
Review: Look, I do specific 12th-century English history, and I find the book to be insightful and a joy to read. Follet's historical approach is nice, and you've got to respect the fact that he consulted Warren Hollister for some assistance (perhaps the most learned historian of Henry I ever). Those who don't like the miserable scenes, wild situational shifts and gory sex/violence have probably never seriously studied the Anglo-Normans. A fine piece of contemporary literature!

Rating:
Summary: This one has it all!
Review: I've never read any of Ken Follet's suspense/spy novels, but he certainly does a first-rate job with historical fiction. Pillars of the Earth is a great, great book - truly a must-read for anyone with an interest in the Middle Ages, or in cathedrals, or simply anyone who loves a well-told epic. Follet introduces his novel with a mystery, the effects of which intertwine the lives of numerous generations of vastly different characters. He weaves in religion, politics, love, lust, betrayal, and murder all together in a story about the building of a cathedral. One of the best books I've ever read, Pillars of the Earth deserves a place on the shelf of classics of historical fiction.

Rating:
Summary: Worst Book of All Time!!!!!!!
Review: This book is the worst piece of literature that has ever been written. Right now just thinking of it turns my stomach. I am shocked and disgusted that several people here actually gave it five stars. I was assigned this book to read for school in tenth grade. It is such a disturbing book that they had to send a permission slip home with us for our parents to sign so that we could read it. The book is not disturbing in a provocative and thought-provoking way. If there was any semblence of intelligent insight in this I might be able to overlook some of the graphic rape and violence scenes. But there is nothing AT ALL intelligent in this piece of best seller crap! Furthermore the sex scenes (even when some woman is not being raped) are gross and not sexy. The characters are all described as dirty, hairy, and animal-like. They have no redeeming qualities, virtue, or will power. Everyone is either presented as corrupt or stupid (and sometimes both). This book is a complete piece of trash and I'm appalled that my school would recommend that we waste our time reading this. There are much better authors out there that we should be reading that high schools just don't teach. For example the teachers in my high school would NEVER, EVER think of assigning us an Ayn Rand novel to read. Instead we're forced to read this badly-written porn!

Rating:
Summary: Well done!
Review: The Pillars of the Earth is a well-researched and historical fiction novel, I found it captivating. I received a copy of it, along with the new WWII novel,The Triumph and the Glory, for my birthday and thoroughly enjoyed both of them.

Rating:
Summary: A terrible waste of my reading time.
Review: This book is five times longer than necessary and readers are rewarded little for their effort. A much more entertaining book about the dark ages and rennaisance is William Manchester's "A World Lit Only by Fire".

Rating:
Summary: Excellent departure for Mr. Follett...
Review: Enthralling, unlike "Triple" or even "The Key to Rebecca", the author creates a tale akin to "A Dangerous Fortune." Superbly scripted, to include the capricious religious political in-fighting, this is Ken Follett at his best. I felt I understood the hardships, to include virtues which are non-existent in today's world. No one weaves a story like this.

Rating:
Summary: Best book!!!!
Review: I read this book when it first came out many years ago and it is still one of my favorites. Probably the best Follett has ever done. It is so unlike anything else he has ever written. Wish he would write another with a similar story line. A must for any avid reader.

Rating:
Summary: "A wonderful and exciting view of the dark Ages"
Review: I have read Ken Follets The Pillars of the Earth, and I believe it is a wonderful view of the life people had in the dark ages. This book made me appreciate the life we have now. By reading this book I understood that the people went through many hardships and had to make very important decisions so important that a harmless person had to kill someone to protect there own lives. One day they are the Earl of a Castle the next day they are beggers. I would highly reccomend this book to anyone intrested in the Dark Ages. To enjoy this book you need patience.

Rating:
Summary: Possibly the best book I have ever read
Review: Ken Follet writes this tale as though he personally experienced the world in the 11th century. It takes truly magnificent imagination to create something of this magnitude and genius. Obviously well-researched but interwoven with fiction, this story does not only lend itself to reading, it ABSORBS the reader. Despite its length, I devoured in in one sitting. I did not sleep at all, such was the thrall of the epic (and it IS an epic). I have since reread 'Pillars of the Earth' at least five times, and I shall read it again (as soon as my friends stop 'lending' it permanently). I have had to buy three different copies of this book, and at the moment I am in possession of none. I feel obliged to recommend it to any who care to listen to me for longer than two minutes, and as a result I keep losing my precious copies. I have read few other novels with impact such as this, and anyone who is in the slightest bit interested in English history, revenge and absolute perfection in narration should give this classic book a read. It won't be your last! If you would like any other 'classic' recommendations, you should give 'The Power of One' by Bryce Courtenay, and 'Roots of Outrage'(I cannot recall the author's name at present - scandallous since he is one of my favourites), which both juxtapose fictional characters with chronicled events in South Africa's history. Both of these recommendations are relatively on par with 'Pillars...'. Superb!

Rating:
Summary: Intriguing
Review: I first read this book in the 8th grade, but would love to read it again, now. It is a wonderful piece of historical fiction. It drew me into the story so well that when I reached the last page I did not want it to truly be finished. I have never been so drawn into a story that I cared about the characters so deeply. Quite an epic story, and the first to capture my attention so intently. A definite "must-read." I've bought it for several friends.