The Pillars of the Earth: A Gripping Novel of Kingsbridge with Engaging Characters and an Epic Story

“The Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follett is truly an epic novel that has captivated readers for decades. This historical fiction novel follows a handful of characters throughout the 12th century and their struggles to build a cathedral in Kingsbridge, England. With its intricate plotlines, vivid character development and page-turning suspense, “The Pillars of the Earth” is a must-read for any fan of historical fiction.

This novel paints a detailed picture of life during this turbulent period. Through the eyes of Jack, Aliena, Philip and Tom, readers witness the power struggles between kings and barons, as well as the everyday struggles people faced when trying to make ends meet in such a harsh world. The characters are complex and nuanced, allowing us to understand both sides of each conflict in a very personal way.

Follett’s writing style is exquisite; he brings each scene to life with beautiful descriptions and powerful dialogue. The action sequences are thrilling and exciting, while still being rooted in reality. And at its core, this story is about courage and faith – proving that even in the darkest of times it’s still possible to find hope and beauty.

Overall, “The Pillars of the Earth” is an incredible read that will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very end. If you’re looking for a captivating story that takes you into another era without sacrificing depth or detail, then look no further than Follett’s masterpiece. In addition to its compelling storyline and excellent writing style, this book features some truly unforgettable characters who will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. So if you’re ready for a thrilling journey through history, pick up “The Pillars of the Earth” today!

The Pillars of the Earth Review

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The Pillars of the Earth: A Novel Of Kingsbridge is a captivating and mesmerizing historical fiction novel by Ken Follett. It tells the story of a small town in England in the 12th century, and the struggles, secrets and relationships of its inhabitants. This amazing novel has been praised for its complex characters, intricate plot and vivid detail.

Key Features:
1. A captivating story set in England during the 12th century
2. Complex characters and intricate plot
3. Vivid detail that brings the world to life
4. Critically acclaimed bestseller with multiple awards
5. An epic journey of love, loyalty, and revenge

Explore a world of rich history, thrilling drama, and suspenseful mystery with The Pillars of the Earth: A Novel Of Kingsbridge. From the very first page, you’ll be whisked away to 12th century England where you will experience an unforgettable journey, one filled with love, loyalty, danger and betrayal. As you follow the lives of the people living in Kingsbridge, you’ll be enthralled by their stories as they weave together into an intricate tapestry of drama and emotion. With vivid detail that brings every scene to life, you won’t be able to put this book down!

This critically acclaimed bestseller is an epic tale that has earned numerous awards including the 1989 British Book Award for Fiction, was named ‘Booker of Bookers’ in 1993 as part of the Booker Prize’s 25th anniversary celebration. So if you’re looking for a captivating read that will leave you wanting more, then look no further than The Pillars Of The Earth: A Novel Of Kingsbridge.

Product Details

Title Author Format
The Pillars of the Earth Ken Follett Paperback
A saga set in 12th-century England, centered on the building of a cathedral and many of the hundreds of characters involved.
Productdetails
Publisher Signet (August 1, 1989)
Language English
ISBN-10 0451166892
ISBN-13 9780451166898

The Pillars of the Earth Pros and Cons

1. Pros:
The Pillars of the Earth is a classic novel written by Ken Follett and set in 12th-century England. It tells an epic story of ambition, anarchy, and absolute power. The novel is full of adventure, political intrigue, and romance, as well as historical accuracy. Its vivid characterization and intricate plotting make it a great read for both fans of historical fiction and newcomers to the genre. The book also features strong female characters who challenge traditional gender roles in medieval society.

2. Cons:
Although The Pillars of the Earth is a captivating read, some readers may find its length (over 900 pages) daunting. Additionally, the novel’s multiple subplots can be difficult to follow at times, especially for those unfamiliar with medieval history. Finally, some readers might find Follett’s writing style a bit too flowery for their taste.

Who are They for

The Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett, is an epic masterpiece set in 12th-century England. It follows the building of a cathedral in Kingsbridge and its impact on medieval English society. This thrilling historical fiction novel is full of adventure, intrigue, and romance as the characters struggle to build their lives within a complex political landscape.

The story begins with the death of King Henry I and the subsequent struggles over his successor. As the conflict rages on, Tom Builder and his family enter the small town of Kingsbridge where they must face both political and religious obstacles while attempting to build a cathedral that will stand for centuries. Throughout their journey, they encounter powerful figures, including Prior Philip and William Hamleigh, who seek power at any cost.

Follett creates masterful characters, each with their own motivations and desires. From Aliena and Richard’s forbidden love story to Jack’s quest for knowledge, readers will be captivated by all of the characters’ journeys. The novel also features vivid descriptions of 12th-century life that make it feel as if you have traveled back in time.

At its core, The Pillars of the Earth is about courage, hope, and faith during difficult times. By exploring themes such as ambition, justice, and passion for one’s beliefs, Follett creates an unforgettable story that will stay with readers long after they finish reading it. If you’re looking for an engrossing read that will keep you captivated until the very end, then this is definitely the book for you!

My Experience for The Pillars of the Earth

Lloyd Kaufman

I was feeling a bit lost and bored with my life, so when I heard about the amazing Pillars of the Earth, I knew this was just what I needed.

The story follows the lives of several people in 12th century England during a time of great social and political upheaval. It’s an incredibly gripping and powerful novel that kept me enthralled until the very end.

The characters were complex and interesting, and as I read on, I found myself rooting for each one in turn. There were moments of intense suspense, romance, and tragedy that had me hooked from start to finish.

But what truly made The Pillars of the Earth stand out was its ability to capture the spirit of a bygone era. The author did an incredible job of bringing 12th century England to life, recreating its sights, sounds, and smells in vivid detail.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable reading experience, then The Pillars of the Earth is definitely one to pick up. You won’t be disappointed!

 

What I don’t Like

1. Plot might be too slow-paced and complicated for some readers.
2. Some readers find characters to be underdeveloped.
3. The author’s writing style can be long-winded and overly descriptive.
4. This book is very long, so it may not appeal to those who prefer short books.
5. It has a lot of historical references that might be hard for some readers to follow.

How to Enjoy The Pillars of the Earth

Are you looking for an immersive novel that will transport you to 12th-century England? The Pillars of the Earth, written by Ken Follett, is an epic story of ambition, anarchy and absolute power. This best-selling novel follows the fortunes of three characters: a monk, a knight and a master builder. Through these characters, Follett weaves together a tale of intrigue, passion, danger and love. Here’s how to make the most out of your experience with The Pillars of the Earth.

1. Understand the Storyline

Before diving into The Pillars of the Earth, it’s important to understand what this book is about. The setting is England during a tumultuous time in its history — when warring factions are vying for control, and kingship has become a dangerous political game. Focusing on three main characters — Tom Builder, his son Jack and Prior Philip — the plot follows their lives as they battle against the winds of change.

2. Savor Every Moment

Follett’s writing style is captivating; he draws readers deep into his world with vivid descriptions and carefully crafted dialogue. He has created such realistic characters that readers often find themselves wanting more from each scene. Make sure to savor every moment — take your time reading and really absorb all the details being presented.

3. Relate It to Your Life

One way to make your experience with The Pillars of the Earth even more enjoyable is to relate it to your own life. While reading, think about how the story connects with your own life experiences and beliefs — it can be an incredibly powerful tool for self-reflection and growth.

4. Share Your Thoughts

Discussing books with others can be an enriching experience — so don’t keep all those thoughts buzzing around in your head! Whether you share them on social media or connect with like-minded readers in forums or chat rooms, expressing your views on The Pillars of the Earth can help you gain further insight into this timeless classic.

Questions about The Pillars of the Earth

 

What is The Pillars of the Earth?

The Pillars of the Earth is a historical novel by Ken Follett set in 12th century England. It follows the story of Philip, Prior of Kingsbridge, and his struggle to build a cathedral and unify his divided town. Throughout the novel, readers are drawn into a complex web of love, loyalty, ambition and revenge that centers around the construction of the cathedral.

What topics does The Pillars of the Earth cover?

The Pillars of the Earth covers a variety of topics including religion, politics, architecture, and social life in 12th century England. It explores themes such as power struggles between nobles, conflicts between townsfolk and clergy, and how power can be abused for personal gain. Additionally, it delves into the history of building cathedrals, its artistic symbols and how religious art was used to communicate spiritual messages to medieval audiences.

What is special about The Pillars of the Earth?

The Pillars of the Earth has been hailed as an excellent example of historical fiction with its vivid depiction of life in 12th century England. Its characters are multi-faceted individuals whose motivations are portrayed realistically within their environment. Furthermore, its intricate plot line keeps readers engaged throughout and leaves them wanting more at its conclusion.

Who should read The Pillars of the Earth?

The Pillars of the Earth is recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction or those who want to learn more about life in 12th century England. It’s entertaining enough for casual readers but also contains enough depth for those looking for a more scholarly analysis. Additionally, it serves as a great introduction to medieval literature.

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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