Rating: 
Summary: An absolutely great read; one of my 10 best.
Review: I normally don't feel passionate enough about any one thing to set aside some time and write a review, but with "The Pillars of the Earth," I decided to state my thoughts.
Being familiar with and a fan of other books by Ken Follett, I originally bought and read this book several years ago. I was absolutely knocked out and captivated by the story and read it in two settings.
Part of what makes a story great to me is when I truly get wrapped up in its characters and begin to associate and have feelings for them, good or bad. In a sense, they come to life while I'm reading the story. This was especially true for "The Pillars of the Earth," having been totally entranced by the end of the first chapter. I especially come to care for Tom and his family, and later, for Jack and his mother. In fact, when one of the major characters dies midway through the story (I won't say who and spoil part of the story), I was shocked and had to lay the book down for several minutes.
I first read this book while living in Germany, and although I had toured much of Europe's cathedral before reading the book, the story sparked new interest in the history and design of these massive and beautiful buildings. Call it an added benefit. I had even brought the book with me on some visits to read then better understand Mr. Follett's descriptions.
As another note on this and Mr. Follett's other books, even though I am male (if that should make any difference), I respect his use of a strong female character playing a major role in his stories.
My greatest recommendation to a book is when I actively suggest it to friends (and strangers, in some cases) as a must read. Not only have I suggested this book many times over, I've also given away several copies of it, then find myself buying it again to enjoy once more.
Rating:
Summary: Exceptionally Brilliant
Review: My Dad recommended it to me, and I've read it twice since then each time within a week!! I gave a couple of copies out as gifts, and my friends loved it, too. Is it available in Hard Cover?
Rating:
Summary: A Brilliant Book That Has Left Me With a Desire For More.
Review: I purchased this book at a garage sale without knowing what to expect. I had never heard of Ken Follett. Within the first few paragraphs, I was hooked. I completed Pillars in a week, I finished just hours ago. It has left me desiring more of the lives of Jack, Aliena, Father Phillip. It has also awakened a desire to know more about 12th century England and it's architecture. Thank you, Ken Follett, for a masterpiece that has left me inspired.
Rating:
Summary: Simply wonderful!
Review: Since I read this book, I don't have to think twice of buying books written by Ken Follett.
Rating:
Summary: Italian reader, english student. Incredible! Read in a week
Review: I thought was impossible for me to read this more thousand pages book and enjoy it. My knowledge of the language and my skill in the understanding english words and expressions is not so deep. But I read it in only a week whith a very big satisfaction!
Rating:
Summary: FOLLETT'S BEST
Review: Eye of the Needle and A Place Called Freedom are exceptional novels but this one can't be knocked down.
Rating: 
Summary: Follet is good, but medieval history is not his genre
Review: I must say that this book was a fun read, but much of Follet's dialogue and characterization were not in keeping with the time period. It was evident that he has done his homework, for a good portion of the historical facts are accurate. However, it sometimes seems that Follet shows off his knowledge by simply telling about the way things were, but not integrating the concepts he introduces into the lives of his characters. For a true master of the medieval period, try Sharon Kay Penman and her trilogy of Here be Dragons, Falls the Shadow, and The Reckoning.
Rating:
Summary: Incredibly gripping introduction to medieval England.
Review: Ken Follett - do the sequel. James Cameron - do the movie.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant!
Review: Perhaps the best book I've ever read (several times over!)... Please, somebody tell me where I can find more in this genre!!!
Rating:
Summary: I agree, the best book ever
Review: Just take a look at all the people who keep this book at the top of their list. It is truly the best. I give 10-12 copies a year as gifts and everyone tells me it was their all-time favorite too.
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