Rating: 
Summary: The Best Book I've Ever Read!
Review: I love this book to death. I read it first when I was thirteen and devoured it within three days. Since then (this was over the summer) I've read it two more times and I never get tired of it. It's so beautifully written, and from what I've studied, very accurate as well. I love how the central theme of the building of the cathedral interweaves all the characters together. In fact, it seems more like reality than a work of fiction, as it does not have a typical plot per se, but it is more of a continuing diary of a few main characters. it is moving, realistic, passionate, gripping, and intense. I wish we could read it in school. As far as writing style, historical accuracy, and intensity of plot go, it beats some of the so-called classics that we are forced to read, many of which have pathetic plots, dry characters, and are not historically accurate or significant. This is defintely the best book I've read and I reccommend it to anyone who appreciates good literature.
Rating:
Summary: Why Did I Wait So Long?
Review: I have had Pillars of the Earth in my pile of books to read for nearly ten years now. A big fan of Follett's work, this was one of the few I held off on because of the subject matter. I am not one to typically dive into historical novels dating back 1000 years, but this book grabbed me from the beginning and held me to the end. This story covers many different themes, good vs. evil, church vs. state, love, war, poverty, wealth... and despite the time period, it is amazing how many ties can be drawn between conflicts that existed in the 1100s and today. Follett never ceases to amaze me with the amount of research and hard work he puts into his novels. It is no wonder they come out so infrequently. And although this was one of his earlier works, it was also one of his best. There were some parts that were repetitive and could have been edited out, but over all it was one of the best books I've ever read. The characters in this book are developed so well that you feel as if they exist in some parallel universe. From Phillip, a Prior at a Monestary who is dedicated to truth, honesty and his people, to the Evil William who wants nothing but revenge. And from Aliena, a strong, brilliant woman dedicated to carrying out the wishes of her father, an overhauled king, to Ellen -- the mother of Aliena's love -- who is a brilliant woman deemed an outcast for all the wrong reasons. Tom the builder, who envisions palaces that still would stand today if this book were as real as it seemed. To Jack, one of the most heroic characters to date. How can anyone sum up nearly 1,000 pages of an amazing story spanning 100 years? How different and more simple the world was, yet how similar the core issues are to what we face now. Do yourself a favor, read this book.
Rating:
Summary: Best Book Ever
Review: My 12 year old hard back is in tatters. I have lent it to so many people to read. They, too, have loved it. Political intrigue, feudalism, the Catholic church, scandal, architecture, romance, blood and guts; it has got it all. Ken Follett is quite a storyteller. I'm online ordering two audio cassettes as gifts. I can think of no better way to thank someone for their kindness than by buying them my all time favorite book.
Rating:
Summary: THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH
Review: I LOVE READING HISTORY. THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE EVER READ
COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN KEN FOLLETT TAKES YOU BACK IN TIME AS IF YOU WERE LIVING THERE I HAVE RECEMED THIS BOOK TO 20 PEOPLE
AND THEY ALL LOVED IT
GREAT READING FOR ANYONE
SHEA
Rating:
Summary: One of my all-time top 10
Review: I was given this book as a gift and I had no idea that it would be one of my all-time favorites. I give this book as gifts to friends and everyone so far has thanked me.
The characters and historical period are captured with keen observation and insight. I think that I will always remember the main characters of this book as clearly as though I had met them in real life.
A must-read masterpiece on the same level as Colleen McCullough's "First Man in Rome" series.
Rating:
Summary: Cover to cover the best book I have ever read!...
Review: This book is in one word, outstanding. Before I decide to read an entire book, I always read the first chapter to see if it catches my eye. With this book, I needed only to read the first few lines to know I was going to finish it. From page one until the close of the book, I was captivated by the way Ken Follett writes the book. I felt like I was in the middle ages right there with the characters. The book was like a two week movie for me. It took over my life because I could not put it down. I will admit, there was one time that I did not like the book, in fact I hated the book. That time was when I had finished the last page, and realized sadly, that it was over. If I could give this book ten stars, I would.
Rating: 
Summary: Well-Crafted Novel with a Finely Woven Plot
Review: This novel was well worth reading in every way. Follett not only writes well, but he develops his characters and plots wonderfully, weaving them together into a fine story that takes place during one of the bloodiest (and longest) English Civil Wars of medieval times. He immerses his reader from the first pages into medieval England's sights, sounds, and smells. It is a bloody, graphic novel that does not spare the reader any details from treachery, murder, rape, or betrayal. But it is also about enduring love and hope. Although it is a long novel, I never felt like it dragged or was anxious to be finished with it, so I could start on a new book. The reason I gave this book 4 stars is because I thought Aliena's pilgrimage to Spain in search of Jack rather brief and hurried. I also thought that the part dealing with King Henry and Thomas Becket's dispute rather rushed and not enough detail was spent on it. To me, the ending (with King Henry and Phillip) was totally unbelievable. I think that such a powerful novel should have a more stunning ending. It was almost as if Follett was ready to be finished with his novel, and hurriedly threw together the conclusion. I would recommend this wholeheartedly to anyone interested in English medieval times or who just wants to be immersed in a well-crafted novel. It is well worth your time!
Rating:
Summary: A Great Creation
Review: Usually I like female authors , but the topic of the book, and its setting is truly suited to a male author . It was so well written, that I called in sick to work so that I can finish the last 200 pages. It has kept me awake nights till I finished it . and for you book lovers, you know that the true measure of a book, is how long in the night it keeps you awake. The only initial let down is my fondness for the speech mannerism of medieval England, which was not reflected here, but surprisingly I got over that soon enough. Follett has one more fan I guess.
Rating:
Summary: Light and Darkness
Review: Pillars of the Earth is about the times of the building of the great Cathedrals. I love reading about this time in history.
I love learning about the hardships of everyday life, the impossibilities and triumphs of the ever continuing saga of the progress of mankind, and their civilizations. Especially in a story full of great characters that I come to know and care about. I think it is utterly amazing that as stupid and selfish, vain and insecure, violent and ruthless, greedy and impoverished as mankind can be, that we have accomplished anything wonderful at all in this world. Then to think of the scale of accomplishment, as depicted in this book... the triumph, the spirit, the energy, the wonder, the strength, I am awestruck that mankind has done so many wonderful things, and learned, in spite of himself. If knowledge and truth is light, this book teaches that darkness can also be an impetus to progress and accomplishment. Ken Follet's extraordinary insights to the motivations and impetus' that fuels the energies of the progression of mankind, whether it be inspired by greed or ambition, or the obsessive energies of ones talent, love and vision, it all serves to the same purpose. Great and otherwise impossible feats of accomplishment. This book makes me think I would have loved to have been an archaeologist or an Anthropologist to study history, people, societies. A fascinating subject....Kathy Struewing
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book
Review: I read this book about ten years ago. I can't remember everything about, but is a mideval novel. It is one of the best fiction books I've ever read.
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