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Shannon's Reviews > The Pillars of the Earth
The Pillars of the Earth (Kingsbridge, #1)
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Shannon's review
bookshelves: historical-fiction, the-sweeping-epic, owned, my-very-best-reads, books-reviewed
Nov 17, 2011
bookshelves: historical-fiction, the-sweeping-epic, owned, my-very-best-reads, books-reviewed
A tapestry of medieval cathedrals centered around an epic drama and some would term it melodrama but that's open to debate.
Ken Follet actually wanted to write this book years before it was published. But his agent told him to build up his base of fans by writing several more thrillers. His EYE OF THE NEEDLE pushed him up to the best seller list.
At a later point, after writing those novels and studying medieval cathedral architecture, Follet got to write his 900 page novel centering around the British dispute of the crown between Queen Maude and King Stephen; these were the contestants who preceded Henry II, who is best known for his colorful History with Eleanor of Aquitaine, Richard the Lion Hearted and the gray King John.
Story centers around several commoner types, with a few exceptions, whose lives intertwine in the eventual struggle to build a glorious cathedral. Without revealing too much and generalizing this story has: lurid scenes of lust, violence, intrigue, political disputes, wars, loves gained, loves lost, main characters dying, a child abandoned at birth and much more. And, to enthusiasts of History, it even teaches readers of the period.
Highly advised reading, even if the dialogue is a bit informal and the structure sometimes isn't as focused as it could be. If those two points don't bother you, this is a great book.
And, for those too lazy to read the novel, there's now a miniseries.
STORY/PLOTTING: A minus; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: A minus to A; SETTING/EPIC SCOPE: A minus; HISTORICAL FLAVOR/ACCURACIES: B plus to A minus; OVERALL GRADE: A minus; WHEN READ: 2006 (second reading)
Ken Follet actually wanted to write this book years before it was published. But his agent told him to build up his base of fans by writing several more thrillers. His EYE OF THE NEEDLE pushed him up to the best seller list.
At a later point, after writing those novels and studying medieval cathedral architecture, Follet got to write his 900 page novel centering around the British dispute of the crown between Queen Maude and King Stephen; these were the contestants who preceded Henry II, who is best known for his colorful History with Eleanor of Aquitaine, Richard the Lion Hearted and the gray King John.
Story centers around several commoner types, with a few exceptions, whose lives intertwine in the eventual struggle to build a glorious cathedral. Without revealing too much and generalizing this story has: lurid scenes of lust, violence, intrigue, political disputes, wars, loves gained, loves lost, main characters dying, a child abandoned at birth and much more. And, to enthusiasts of History, it even teaches readers of the period.
Highly advised reading, even if the dialogue is a bit informal and the structure sometimes isn't as focused as it could be. If those two points don't bother you, this is a great book.
And, for those too lazy to read the novel, there's now a miniseries.
STORY/PLOTTING: A minus; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: A minus to A; SETTING/EPIC SCOPE: A minus; HISTORICAL FLAVOR/ACCURACIES: B plus to A minus; OVERALL GRADE: A minus; WHEN READ: 2006 (second reading)
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Reading Progress
Started Reading
January 1, 2006
–
Finished Reading
November 17, 2011
– Shelved
October 30, 2012
– Shelved as:
historical-fiction
October 30, 2012
– Shelved as:
the-sweeping-epic
October 30, 2012
– Shelved as:
owned
October 30, 2012
– Shelved as:
my-very-best-reads
January 21, 2013
– Shelved as:
books-reviewed
Comments Showing 1-22 of 22 (22 new)
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by
Shannon
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rated it 5 stars
Aug 25, 2012 10:36PM
I need to expand on this review.
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I look forward to your expanded review.This is a book which has always interested me, but the sheer size of it puts me off picking it up.
I know! I should take courage and open it. You will tell me that I will have no regrets.
Hey Lance,You might try one of his shorter works to see if you enjoy his writing style.
A classic is EYE OF THE NEEDLE which I believe is less than 400 pp.
This is one of the best books I have ever read, so worth the read.
StoryTellerShannon wrote: "Hey Lance,You might try one of his shorter works to see if you enjoy his writing style.
A classic is EYE OF THE NEEDLE which I believe is less than 400 pp."
I read The Third Twin a while ago, which I enjoyed. I have a few more of Ken Follett's books on my to-read shelf. Perhaps I should make the effort, and pick one up.
EYE OF THE NEEDLE is definitely better by a few notches, especially if you appreciate the WWII era.
I loved this book so much that I read it twice. The entanglement of characters, the history, the period is only some of what captured and held my attention. The depth of the characters, I thought, was paramount in this book. So well done and yet I have yet to read the corresponding volumes to follow!! What is my worry? Not sure but I am convinced this is one of the best books I have ever read. So much so that I give it to all of my friends. I buy it everytime I see it at an estate sale. And the movie!! I enjoyed it as well.
Read this and enjoy! I don't think you will be disappointed.
Thanks for the background info :)
I've been a huge Follet fan since reading Eye of the Needle in the mid-90s...this review of Pillar of the Earth reminded me why I'm such a fan. I always love learning new things about my favorite authors! Thanks!
Pics added and some word revisions.
It was great in audio! One of my top 10 books. I came away with a new appreciation for the beautiful architecture in cathedrals. And I learned so much about that period in history. If the story is compelling AND I learn something, then it's a great read!
I loved this book and it's sequel! Was so disappointed when the stories ended. I loved the TV adaptation too. That's where I learned about this great book.
I believe a third novel is being planned in the series.
That would be a definite must read on my list.
StoryTellerShannon wrote: "I believe a third novel is being planned in the series."Oh, that would be great. I enjoyed his medieval-set novels better than his recent Fall of Giants (which was still good, BTW).
Yep, I'm too lazy to commit to a 900 page novel so the mini-series is definitely more my style! Thanks for the great review!
I have read your very comprehensive reviews for different historical novels, and I gotta tell you; I have not yet been disappointed by anything you have recommended. Historical title turns up on GR reviews, and the first thing I do now is to see if you've commented. I wish I were in your book club. You would have saved me from some very dull books.
Glad to hear it, Judith, and thanks. What else have you read that I liked?
This is a excellent book! Please do expand on your review! I look forward to reading his book "Winter of the World". he will soon be coming out with a third in the Series!
