The Pillars of the Earth

Rating:
Summary: For history or riveting plots, you can certainly do better
Review: As an avid reader of historical fiction especially England in the Middle Ages, I felt that book under delivered to its audience. There was a lack of any character development whatsoever, no real vivid feel for the period and a blurred focus on the central event of the story, the building of a cathedral. The good guys in this story were just too good and their fight against the sinister officials was to horribly tragic. However, they always triumphed int he end, surprise, surprise. It read like a Disney movie, minus the talking animals. If you want a truly wonderous and fascinating story of the times when Maude and Steven battled for the crown, I highly suggest "When Christ and His Saints Slept" by Sharon Kay Penman. Not only is it a first rate story, but its true! For a wonderful plot that involves the reader and truly takes the out of this time, go to "Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon. Though classified as romance, it has less sex than "Pillars" and is far more engaging. My over all opinion: bring it to the beach, read it on the way to work, but its going to be one you throw on a back shelf and forget about.

Rating:
Summary: Middle Age Excitement
Review: As a history major, I really enjoy reading "historical fiction" which is accurate and intriguing at the same time. "Pillars of the Earth" fulfills that wish. Truly one of the best books I have read. This is one that you can pick up three years later and read it again.

Rating:
Summary: A "pillar" of a book
Review: I was handed this book a few years ago from a person who said "I have to share this with someone". I read the book and was amazed at how Ken Follet was able to bring me into the book and hold me there on every page. Ken Follet wrote an excellent book here,and I would recommend everyone to read it. I visited a PRIORY in England a couple of years ago and immediately thought of "Pillars of the Earth" and was able to picture people from the 13th century living around this area. Thanks Ken for writing a great piece of work.

Rating:
Summary: The Best
Review: When people ask me my favorite book, this one is usually one of the top few choices. I didn't think I would finish it as soon as I did, but I couldn't put it down. The time setting is one of my favorite periods of English history and I've always been astounded by the size and architecture of cathedrals. This book takes a reader through virtually every emotion possible. After I finished it, I actually missed the characters in the book because they were presented so true to life.

Rating:
Summary: If you love this read A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY!
Review: This book is my second all-time favorite book. It is the type of book that you can not put down and never want to end. It is truly a GEM.

Rating:
Summary: the enjoyment was so great i read it twice and will again.
Review: this was one of the best books i've ever read. i have shared it with many many people and they weren't disappointed in the least. following the people in the book was like being with family. hats off to ken follett.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Huge! Stupendous! The best book I've ever read!
Review: This book has phenomenal characters, alive and intersesting throughout the entire book. Without a doubt the most captivating creation in paperback. This is an all-time best book. You have to read it, and you'll hate to put it down. I'm going to read it again.....

Rating:
Summary: excellent
Review: I have read most of folletts books never have I found a book since this one that compares - the best book I have ever read. Loved every page. I was a little leary when this came out - so different from his usual stuff. I could not put it down, I recommend to anyone traveling to see a great cathedral - gives you a real appreciation for what goes into building it. Read it you won't regret it....

Rating:
Summary: Captivating and Spellbinding
Review: I am a history junkie and love all novels dealing with historic events, people or simple fiction set in historic times. There are a good many bad books out there but Ken Follett was once again able to weave a fictional carpet of events, people and surroundings as it's base and the color is supplied by it's characters. One thing i love about Ken Follet's ability to describe characters, appearance of them or environments, etc is the fact that is able to get his idea perfectly across without getting into the typical writer's trap... elaborating and elaborating and elaborating until one describes something to 'death'. With him a few skillfully worded sentences describe a world that i can see in my minds eye.

I highly !!!! recommend this book not only to history junkies but all that enjoy reading a well written and emminently entertaining book.

Rating:
Summary: Awesome.
Review: This book is the best, bar none. I found a used copy and couldn't stop reading. I almost cried when it was finished. Give me more.