Rating: 
Summary: Purely evil antagonist can make a brilliant novel
Review: Normally, novels taking place in Medieval times do not interest me at all, but after reading Ken Follett's fantastic tome, Pillars of the Earth, my former qualms with the subject matter disappeared as I hoped for more even after 800 pages. Some complain of the books slow place, but in the case of Pillars of the Earth, every event is necessary in order to tie in with other events and every description paints a picture in your mind that greatly describes the setting. While I praise Follett for his wonderful writing in this book, the most memorable aspect of the book is its antagonist, who through a lust for a girl and a lust for power, accomplishes some of the most sadistic events ever heard of, which I will not spoil for any of you potential readers of this book. It may be long, but it is without a doubt well worth it and should be read even by those not at all interested in the basic subject matter.
Rating:
Summary: Simply the best book I've ever read.
Review: I've read this book twice and am thinking of reading it a third time (as it has been a few years since I last read it). This book is absolutely magical. It has all of the elements of a great novel: passion, deceit, jealousy and intrigue - to mention a few! This book has set the standard of writing excellence that has yet to be surpassed. If you have not read it - do so. It's that good.
Rating: 
Summary: Forsooth, only fair to middlin'
Review: In spite of its length it's a fast read although deficient in quality. Probably the best part of the book was the cathedral building and the influence of the builders of the Cathedral at St. Denis. Mr. Follett is a good story teller but not a good writer. The book was full of cliches a college freshman would be ashamed to use and characters who were stereotypes.
Occasionally I thought I was reading a steamy romance novel instead of a book which many reviewers found noteworthy. There was too much bodice ripping, heavy breathing, and violent sex. Actually, too much violence, period. Also, too many cliffhangers made it somewhat repetitious. If you are interested in that period of history as I am it probably depicts the day to day lives of the people pretty well in terms of their living and working conditions, insularity, and religious practices. It makes me want to read non-fiction books about the period to see if Mr. Follett got those details right. The book was like a filling but not very nutritious meal - kind of fun but probably not worth much.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Top 5 books of the 20th Century
Review: Beginning and ending with a hanging at dawn, The Pillars of the Earth is a towering monument to the imagination of mankind. While archaeologists marvel at the Wonders of the World, historians should marvel at a book like this. While it might not be 100% accurate (nobody ever can be when writing an historical adventure) - it is still a far better way of presenting history than in a university textbook.Follett brings to life characters that are as real as you or me, and puts them into a time where your birth decided the rest of your life - as a servant or baron, monarch or monk. Littered with violence, rape, pillage and unspeakable horrors, it also manages to capture the very best of the human character - from unshakeable faith and self-belief to friendship and love. In the space of a 1000 pages, Follett takes us through three generations, over 30 years and makes us believe that we were there for all of it. If The Lord of the Rings was the greatest fantasy book, Harry Potter the greatest children's books, To Kill a Mockingbird the greatest human drama, and The Robe the greatest book of inspiration; then The Pillars of the Earth was the greatest work of historical fiction written in the 20th Century. Definitely one of the 5 greatest works of fiction. Read it - it will change the way you think about history.
Rating: 
Summary: ...
Review: The Pillars of the Earth is written very simply, which at first I found to be pleasant, and after a 10 pages got sick of. The Pillars of the Earth is needlessly long, and filled with useless text (i.e. describing menial tasks in great, but empty, detail)that does not become the simple writing. The Pillars of the Earth is one of the worst books I've ever read, I'd say the same about the author if I had any desire to read another of his books. The Pillars of the Earth is something you should not buy.
Rating:
Summary: Pillars of the Earth
Review: This has to be the best book I have ever read....five times and counting. I have replaced it three times....loaned and not returned. When I run out of reading material (I have to read every night before I turn out my lights)other than my Bible, I pick up Pillars and get lost. It is truly an "awesome read". I get lost in time and character!!!
Rating:
Summary: Very good book
Review: This was an easy read and I really enjoyed the story. The author made it very easy to put yourself in the time period of the book and everytime I thought I had the plot figured out, it would completely surprise me! Will probably read again at some point.
Rating:
Summary: Pillars of the Earth - Best Book I've Ever Read
Review: Pillars of the Earth is the best book written by Follet and the best book I have ever read. In fact, just read it. Every person I know who has read it comes back with just about the same feeling. It is incredible - fiction, history, historical fact, a great story and a great read. I have read it twice and am going to get it in audio version for long drives.
Rating:
Summary: Just read the prologue
Review: If you want someone to read your book, just write a prologue that grabs one's curiosity and leaves a cliff hanger.
I have read this book 3 times. Of all Ken Follett's books, this is my favorite. My children, as young as 10, have also read the book. (For the children I wish there was an edited version, but, hey, they loved it and we discussed it.)
I have stopped people in bookstores and encouraged them to just read the prologue and on my way out I would see them checking out and what do you know...they have the book.
I have read this book on a trip from Chicago to Colorado. The passengers taking turns reading. I have had it as an audio book also. But there is nothing like reading this rich novel to feel the sense of awe with rich characters and awesome history.
Dynamic! I suggest to everyone...just read the prologue. You'll be hooked!
PS
I carry 2 copies just in case someone forgets to return it. My granddaughter (16) is reading it for the first time.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Follett Books
Review: Ken Follett is my favorite author, and this is one of his very best novels. It is long, but it is extremely well written. The plot builds upon itself in a believable and logical fashion. It doesn't rely on coincidence, and yet has so many twists and turns that you just can't tell where it is going very far ahead of time.
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