The Pillars of the Earth

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Summary: One of the best audio books I have listened to
Review: I was totally engrossed from start to finish by this book. It was facinating to learn the origins of the stone masons and the hardships they endured while building this cathedral. Ken Follet is a wonderful author who knows his English history and translates all the deceit and treachery of the era into spellbinding fiction. George Ralph,the narrator,does a wonderful job interpeting the book. I thought of it as a play with the light off. The audiobook contains 10 cassetts and is 30 hours long. I painted the kitchen, living room, 2 bedrooms and a bath with this book, had I been reading it I would never have finished the painting.

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Summary: A DYNAMIC BOOK!!!!!!!!!!
Review: Ignore the ONE review that gives this book a low score, because they are simply blind. This book is a stunning portrayal of 12th century medieval England. The characters are rich and vibrant,as are the settings. You can practically smell and hear the bustle of market day. The story centers around one man and his dream. But Follet doesn't stop there, he develops the characters that surround the man. He also gives an introduction to the workings of 12th century society, through many social levels. The reader will also be introduced to the complexities of cathedral building in a manner that unravels them. Through the development of all these things and a fresh approach to basic themes such as money, love, lust, dreams and hopes the author develops this book into one that will undoubtedly be read by our grandchildren as a "classic".

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Summary: Oh Please, Why Do People Like This??
Review: This is just about the worst book I have ever read . It is all predictably plot-driven with no character development. The men are ignoramous oafs who have no clue as to what is or why things are going on around them. The women can only be strong or intelligent if they are: 1) freaks who live in the woods; 2) hideous; or 3) raped and brutalized. The sexuality and the violence described is completely disturbing. Not to mention that I am not persuaded that the author has portrayed 12th century society. The speech and attitudes seem like something out of the 1970s, not King Stephen's age. The suspense was cliched and the writing just went on and on. Kill off the bad guys already, I thought, and be done with it. If you want good suspense, read Forsyth. If you want Middle Ages, read the Doomsday Book by Connie Willis.

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Summary: Incredible I read it in 3 days! couldn't put it down!
Review: Incredible! As soon As you begin to appreciate the main charecter, Jack, he dies. You go through three more major characters, and various minor characters suddenly take to the front, Waleron Bigod. It also gives insight to the reader of why the magna carta was put into place. THis is a rare book that made me cry!

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Summary: What a breathtaking and compelling story
Review: WOW!! I have never read such an intense book. I read it in 3 days!! I could not put it down. Follet's mixing of fiction and history are wonderful. I would reccomend this book to everyone.

Rating:
Summary: Pillars of the Earth
Review: Ken follets THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH is a excellent example of life during the High Middle Ages. The story is centered around the building of a Cathedral in the priory of Kingsbridge. This novel portrays the lives of those who fought, prayed, and worked. Take a look its in the book.This is a great novel. In the great words of Levar Burton "You dont have to take my word on it....."

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Summary: About Ambitions, Dreams, and Hopes.
Review: Every once in a while, perhaps by chance, perhaps by skill, an artist is able to capture and present the elusive elements of human nature. This is such an occasion.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent and unique!
Review: One of the best books I've read in the past 10 years. I even talked my husband (usually a fantasy only reader) into picking it up and he couldn't put it down until the end! Highly recommend this for anyone who likes a good story!

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down!
Review: Follett does it again with a large cast of characters each complete with their virtues and vices, doing what they know how to do, living what they learned and occ. rising above or sinking below. Generations emerge weaving the tale, wearing the legacy of their pasts, breaking our hearts, raising a cheer. Follett pulls you into each of them. A don't miss.

Rating:
Summary: The best book I've ever read.
Review: Pillars of the Earth is by far the best book I've ever read. The characters are deep and real, as is the plot. Follett takes us into the middle ages and teaches us that people are the same everywhere. In this book we find that no one is completely good or bad (except William, maybe). We see good priests and bad ones; beautiful heros and ugly ones. This book is filled with castles, knights, and literally drips with love stories. The book feels real because of the element of surprise Follett utalizes. Main characters do die, and minor characters move quickly to the front. This book reads like a novel, but feels like a glimpse inside history. It's hard to believe these people didn't live, didn't love, didn't die.