Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #45570 in Books
• Published on: 1989
• Binding: Hardcover

Customer Reviews

A "Desert Island Book"
I read this one about 15 years ago, and have now read it a third time. It never weakens.

I have heard this novel was challenging for Follett because he does not believe in God. I don't either,but I found the humility and devotion of its protagonists to be wholly believable and endearing. I could not help but fall in love with Aliena, nor could I suppress my admiration for Tom, Phillip, and Jack; Waleran is slimy and despicable, and William is just a monster.

The historical and political backdrop of 12th century England is a terrific canvas for this story of human devotion and political intrigue.

I've heard and read other reviews on this novel, and without fail, they all remark at some point that "I could not put it down". I am not one to clamber on to the bandwagon of pop culture, bestseller lists, etc., but I'll pipe right up for this one. I just hope that they don't try to make a movie out of it, this story is too rich for the silver screen.

I look forward to reading its sequel.

Couldn't wait to go back to 1120 A.D.
While this book is big, toward the end I was wishing it was bigger! Each day I looked forward to the evening when I'd go back to 1120 A.D., or 1125, or 1140, and enter the English lives of the people facing royal intrigues and daily hardships. The writing is clean and engaging, the characters come and go at just the right pace, and we see their lives interconnecting over the years, which is quite satisfying. Reading about older forms of building construction, the tools and methods used, and the evolution of architecture were especially fascinating. It's a very enthralling, lively history lesson!

An excellent read!
Having just finished reading _The Pillars of the Earth_ for the second time, I find it an excellent read--again. The character development is outstanding as the reader is shown the strengths and weakness of men and women alike. However, Follett's true strength in this novel is the people he presents. The look at the lives of the common people, the clergy, and the nobility reveals the foibles of humanity. Furthermore, Follett gives the reader insight into life in the 12th century, which was dreary at best. The grim existence of the common people in this novel serves as a reminder of a bleak time in history.

A must read!