The Pillars of the Earth: Ken Follett’s Epic Historical Novel – A Must Read!

The Pillars of the Earth (Novel) Pros and Cons

1. Pros:

The Pillars of the Earth, written by Ken Follett, is a classic novel that stands out for its detailed and captivating storytelling. This book follows the lives of three families over generations as they go through love, war and politics in 12th century England. It’s an incredible journey full of twists and turns that will leave you wanting more. Fans of historical fiction will be enthralled by this masterpiece, with its vivid characters, intense plot-lines and beautiful descriptions. This epic saga is one you won’t want to miss!

2. Cons:

Although The Pillars of the Earth has earned its place as a beloved classic, some readers may find it slow-paced or overly descriptive. To fully appreciate the intricacies of the story, readers must invest time into understanding all the characters and events. Additionally, there are some controversial topics addressed in the novel which could be off-putting to certain readers. However, for those willing to take the time to dive into this sweeping tale, the payoff is worth it!

Who are They for

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett is an epic novel that tells the story of a medieval village’s struggle to build a cathedral, and how the project affects the lives of its inhabitants. With its sweeping historical scope and vivid characters, this masterful bestseller has been captivating readers for decades.

Follett brings to life the destinies of a cast of unforgettable characters—monks, knights, and peasants—all struggling to survive in a time of political upheaval. He captures both the terror and beauty of medieval life as his characters battle for power, status, and wealth, each hoping to make their mark on history. From the construction of Kingsbridge Cathedral to the secret love affair between two forbidden lovers, The Pillars of the Earth contains action, adventure, romance, and heartbreak.

An extraordinary tale of courage and faith set in 12th-century England, The Pillars of the Earth is truly a classic that has stood the test of time. It will keep you turning pages until the very end. Winner of numerous awards including the 1989 National Book Award for Fiction, it is one book readers won’t want to miss.

My Experience for The Pillars of the Earth (Novel)

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett was one of the best books I ever read! When I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. It was full of action and mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. It’s a story about love, loyalty and survival during a time of great political upheaval.

I found the characters in The Pillars of the Earth so intriguing, I felt like I was part of the story. The main character, Tom Builder, is a master mason who is trying to build a cathedral in 12th century England. He faces many obstacles along his journey, including rival builders and powerful lords who want to control the land. Despite all these challenges, Tom shows incredible resilience and determination to complete his task.

The book also features some interesting subplots that keep readers engaged throughout. One involves Jack Shareburg, an outlaw who takes refuge at Tom’s cathedral site and helps him with his work. Another follows Aliena, Tom’s daughter, as she struggles to restore her family’s fortunes after her father is imprisoned for treason.

Overall, The Pillars of the Earth is an amazing novel that captures its historical setting perfectly. The characters are well-drawn and believable, while the plot moves swiftly from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for an exciting adventure filled with suspense and drama!

What I don’t Like

1. Lengthy and complex narrative – Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth is an epic novel, spanning many years and with a large cast of characters. This can make it difficult for those who are not used to lengthy, complex narratives to become engrossed in the story.

2. Large time-frame – The Pillars of the Earth spans a large time-frame, beginning in 1120 and ending in 1174. This means that many characters age significantly throughout the novel, making it difficult to keep track of who is who at different points in the story.

3. Dense language – Follett’s writing style is quite dense at times, which can make it difficult to understand what is happening in some parts of the book.

4. Slow pace – The Pillars of the Earth has a slow pace, meaning that many readers will find themselves struggling to stay engaged with the story until it picks up towards the end.

How to Build a Strong Foundation with Ken Follett’s Novel ‘The Pillars of the Earth’

Ken Follett’s historical novel The Pillars of the Earth is an inspiring tale that can teach us a lot about life and building strong foundations. The characters in the book must make difficult decisions, face great challenges, and ultimately construct one of the greatest cathedrals in existence. Through this narrative, we learn how to build our own lives on a solid foundation that will weather any storm.

One of the main themes in The Pillars of the Earth is that success is not achieved through luck or fate, but rather from hard work and dedication. It follows Tom Builder, who sets out to build a cathedral despite his lack of resources and experience. He exemplifies the idea that without persistence and determination, it is impossible to achieve greatness. By reading this novel, we can cultivate these qualities in ourselves.

It is also important to remember that every problem has a solution, even if it takes some time to find it. Each character in the book must face obstacles head-on and use their skills to overcome them. This teaches us the value of resilience when facing adversity, as well as how to be resourceful with what we have.

Finally, the power of collaboration is another important lesson from The Pillars of the Earth. Tom Builder teams up with allies such as Ellen, Jack and Alfred to help him complete his mission. Together they are able to reach heights far beyond what he could have accomplished alone. This teaches us that by working together we can achieve greater success than by going at it alone.

So take some time to read Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth. In it you will find lessons about hard work, resilience, resourcefulness and collaboration that will help you build your own life on a solid foundation that will last for generations.

Questions about The Pillars of the Earth (Novel)

What is The Pillars of the Earth (Novel) About?

The Pillars of the Earth (Novel) by Ken Follett is an epic story of love, ambition and revenge set against a backdrop of war, religious strife and power struggles in 12th century England. It follows the building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge and the lives of the people connected to it over many decades.

What Genre is The Pillars of the Earth (Novel)?

The Pillars of the Earth (Novel) is a historical fiction novel written by Ken Follett. It combines elements of drama, mystery and romance set during Medieval times.

Who are the Main Characters in The Pillars of the Earth (Novel)?

The Pillars of the Earth (Novel) follows several characters as they struggle with ambition, power and faith throughout their lives. The main protagonists include Tom Builder, a master builder who dreams of creating a beautiful cathedral in Kingsbridge; his son Jack, an ambitious young man determined to become a mason; Ellen, an outcast mother desperate for her son’s safety; Prior Philip, a monk determined to build a cathedral; William Hamleigh, an ambitious nobleman intent on dominating Kingsbridge; and Aliena, a brave young woman determined to protect her family from William’s machinations.

What Awards has The Pillars of the Earth (Novel) Received?

The Pillars of the Earth (Novel) by Ken Follett has been widely praised by readers and critics alike. It won numerous awards including both British and American Book Awards for Fiction and was named one of the 100 Best Books of all Time by Modern Library Magazine.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.

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