The Pillars of the Earth

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It's a hit!

This book is like a family size bag of Doritos. You know you shouldn't eat the whole bag and you know its not really good for you but you just can'... (show more)

This book is like a family size bag of Doritos. You know you shouldn't eat the whole bag and you know its not really good for you but you just can't stop! Its a medieval soap opera and Ken Follet had me hooked and I read the whole book in a little over a week. I didn't stop and dwell on the often bad writing and strange mix of ye olde English speak mixed in with 20th century speak.I just wanted to find out if the cathedral would get built and make sure that Prior Philip survived all 1000 pages. The tunic lifting bad guys were really really bad and the heroines were really beautiful and brave. It is a timeless classic - no, would I read it again - no. Am I glad that I read it - yes and will I read the sequel - can't wait to get my hands on it! (show less)

 

 

by Katalina

No, it's a flop!

About 1/4 of the way thru this book I just wanted to be done with it. However, as the story grew and the characters became more real to me, I enjo... (show more)

About 1/4 of the way thru this book I just wanted to be done with it. However, as the story grew and the characters became more real to me, I enjoyed it -- to a degree. This is not the "grandly written epic novel" I had ventured out to read, but it was entertaining and did have me on the edge of my seat many times. The author did an incredible job making the characters "real" for me. The love-hate we sometimes have with family and friends. All of that was captured in this story as the story unfolded. It was a see-saw story at times with all of the changes of power. Follett definitely kept me intrigued and wandering "How will this all end?". A good book but an investment of time. I could have read 2-3 books in the time it took me to read this very long tale. (show less)

 

 

by Cindy Lofgren

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  First, I am going to complain about this book. The writing is trite and he doesn't even attempt at making the characters think or act in a way that is appropriate for his time period. The good guys are very good, the bad guys are outrageously bad, and the damsels in distress are bwetiful and resourceful. Two separate couples are cruelly kept apart for years by fate. Meh. On the other hand, this book is the crack cocaine of books, you can't put it down, and I have read it many times. It ... (show more)

  First, I am going to complain about this book. The writing is trite and he doesn't even attempt at making the characters think or act in a way that is appropriate for his time period. The good guys are very good, the bad guys are outrageously bad, and the damsels in distress are bwetiful and resourceful. Two separate couples are cruelly kept apart for years by fate. Meh. On the other hand, this book is the crack cocaine of books, you can't put it down, and I have read it many times. It is sort of like ABBA music, you know it is lacking in quality but at the same time you can't stop yourself from rocking out to "Dancing Queen". Plus, I found myself fascinated by the descriptions of building a cathedral. Is an odd book where you skip the romance and go straight to the difficulties in getting enough stones for a building - but so it is. If you have a really long airplane ride in your future there is no better book to have with you - and don't forget the ABBA on your ipod! (show less)

   

   

  by Kathy on Aug 02, 2008 at 08:11PM

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  As a writer, Follet is excellent at creating suspense and a fast-moving plot, but I fear that it comes at the expense of believable characters. In The Pillars of the Earth, Prior Phillip was well-rounded, acting sometimes as hero, sometimes villian. Even William had the occasional good point. Tom and Jack both had flaws. Caris and Merthin, however, are like Mary Poppins: practically perfect in every way. In contrast, Godwyn, Philemon, and Ralph are pure evil. While this sometimes makes for fu... (show more)

  As a writer, Follet is excellent at creating suspense and a fast-moving plot, but I fear that it comes at the expense of believable characters. In The Pillars of the Earth, Prior Phillip was well-rounded, acting sometimes as hero, sometimes villian. Even William had the occasional good point. Tom and Jack both had flaws. Caris and Merthin, however, are like Mary Poppins: practically perfect in every way. In contrast, Godwyn, Philemon, and Ralph are pure evil. While this sometimes makes for fun reading, sometimes it's just downright cheesy. I've noticed this before with Follet (in his WW II novels) -- his stories are kind of formulaic. You can almost go through World Without End with a checklist from Pillars of the Earth. Beautiful, rich, intelligent and defiant young female? Check. Talented, popular craftsman living in his brother's shadow and fighting for respect? Check. Sexually sadistic nobleman abusing his peasants in hopes of gaining their fear and respect? Check. Ambitious, manipulative mother? Check. While World Without End is a mildly entertaining read, it feels more like munching junk food than eating a delicious meal. (show less)

   

   

  by Rebecca on Feb 12, 2009 at 08:31AM

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