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The Pillars of the Earth | 
 enlarge | Author: Ken Follett
Publisher: Pan Books
Category: Book
List Price: £8.99
Buy New: £3.14
You Save: £5.85 (65%)
New (32) Used (5) from £3.14
Rating:  133 reviews
Sales Rank: 110
Media: Paperback
Edition: New Ed
Pages: 1100
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.5
Dimensions (in): 7.7 x 4.9 x 1.9
ISBN: 0330450131
EAN: 9780330450133
ASIN: 0330450131
Publication Date: April 6, 2007
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews: Read 128 more reviews...
 Okay historical fiction but not memorable September 23, 2008
Mum of the animals (UK)
The strength of the book is the detailed description of the development of a cathedral and its impact on the prosperity of a town through a page-turning narrative and fictional characters. It is a fairly easy read on a difficult subject. It covers the civil war during the 12th century (Stephen and Maud) The downside is it is not a very memorable read. When my book club recommended it, I did not even remember I had aready done so! I certainly would not say don't read it - especially if you are doing GCSE architecture or medieval history. It does bring the period to life more than a textbook would and that can spur you on to learn more. However, it is not a great piece of historical fiction.
 Badly Written Rubbish! September 23, 2008
Jamie MacGarry (London)
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
Really, really, poorly written book. Possibly the most boring I have ever read. Doesn't any one read this before it's published? Why didn't someone read it before and say, "Hold on, Ken, I've just read the first few chapters and I'm losing the will to live. Don't make me suffer any more."
Just because it's in print, it doesn't make it any good. This, is the Emperor's new trousers. And so many, so, so many have been fooled.
 Entertaining read September 12, 2008
The Crusader (UK)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Although I enjoyed this book a lot, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone, there are a couple of aspects that for me rather spoil it. Firstly, was there any need for the sex scenes to be quite so graphic? and secondly, the writing style is a bit basic. I also have to agree with those reviewers who have given the book only one star - characterisation was poor and one-dimensional, there was some annoying repetition, and although I'm no expert on the period, there did seem to be some glaring historical inaccuracies. That said, this is a novel and not a textbook, and should be read with that in mind. I guess I would describe this book as an ideal, easy holiday read.
Over long and a bit of a let down September 5, 2008
French reader (London)
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
I was disappointed by this book. I totally agree with H. Morris's review. Everything is predictable, the story is very much like a soap opera (with the goodies and the baddies) and it drags on and on. Not gripping like I imagined it would be. I had to stop half way through as I felt I was wasting my time.
Overlong Unchallenging Medeival Soap Opera August 18, 2008
H. Morris (Brighton UK)
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
At over 1000 pages this is a long book. There's no doubt the plot is gripping and the characters larger than life but the same can be said about Eastenders. When the book hits top form it is very good- particularly if you are interested in the social history of the period. Some of the set-pieces and plot twists are also good value but the book is let down by characters. They are too broadly painted. Everyone is either a goody or a Pantomime villain and the predictability of their actions does start to grate. Also the whole book seems to be a never ending succession of dramas, problems or stitch-ups facing the good guys each with their triumph duly coming a few pages later. Like a dodgy actor faking an accent in a film, the tone and authenticity of the characters also seems to waver. Some of the dialogue is completely unconvincing and at times you have to remind yourself you're in 12th not 21st century England. I'm no book snob but the prose was far to simple and if it wasn't for the gratuitous sex then it would be suitable for any Harry potter Fan. Basically if you're on holiday and are the type of person who would like to read 3 Dan Brown's in a row than you'll love this. If you Like your books to challenge you and you have a reading age of over 14 then there must be other books out there that do the same thing but better. ps. I still haven't got a clue what a nave or chancel is...
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