The Pillars of the Earth
by Ken Follett
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Book Reviews of The Pillars of the Earth
Book Review: Waaaaaay too long
Summary: 3 Stars
First, I historically have really enjoyed Follett's work. Second, I love history and that includes historical fiction. Third, I'm not afraid of long books so long as they hold my interest.
I had a real hard time getting into this book. The first quarter was plodding, the next two quarters were very, very good and the last quarter was unnecessary. This book could have easily been 700 pages long (275 less than it is) and have actually been the better for it. I didn't need the last quarter of that book for anything. The author had done a good job up until then in moving the story along. Why the need to bring in Thomas Becket? To make the final point about the tug-o-war between the Church and government? That point was well made way before that episode...although I have to admit the depiction of Becket's assassination was well-done.
I also have to admit that I did grow attached to many of the characters I was supposed to be attached to and experienced some real sadness or shock at some of the events. Then again, since the story took place in the 12th century, I had pretty much figured out that everyone dies at the end.
After so many episodes, I already was familiar enough with the cruelty of the villains, the goodness of the heroes and heroines and more of it seemed to be redundant and/or gratuitous. The later events were very predictable and you could see them coming a mile away.
The book leaves me with no desire to read the "sequel".
Book Review: Incredible read
Summary: 5 Stars
While never having read anything by Ken Follett before, I must say, that his writing completely blew me away. From the first few paragraphs, this 973 page novel had me hooked. I learned of this book from the "Oprah" show, which admittedly has led me to read some books I've regretted reading. So, it was with quite a bit of apprehension that I approached this enormous undertaking. The time period, early 12th century England, is what truly intrigued me.
Mr. Follett's writing is rich and descriptive. His characters all have depth and are described in such detail, that the reader is easily able to visualize each of them. The settings are written in lurid detail, down to the smallest detail. The reader can literally feel the cold the characters suffer as they travel on the dark roads through the forest. The read can visualize the rock quarry, and the events that transpire within it.
There are several sub-plots to this novel that connect to the main plot. The reader is as rivetted to the sub-plots as they are to the main plot. The reader cares about many of the characters, and despises others. Just as any excellent writer would hope. The sub-plots blend seamlessly into the main plot once they are established, and the reader finds themself anxious to discover what happens next. This is a superbly authored piece of literature, and one that should be read by anyone who enjoys an excellent tale with many twists and turns, and appreciates excellent writing.
Book Review: First ten chapters are great, then everything after???(*spoilers*)
Summary: 3 Stars
I picked up this book having read it about 15 years ago. Once I got to chapter 11, I remembered my impression of years ago. The first ten chapters are first rate historical fiction. Starting at chapter 11 it turns into a historical romance. Did another person take up the story? Did his editor get fired\replaced? Did he fall ill and his wife finished the story? It really is like two different people wrote the the chapters 1-10, and 11-17. I give chapters 1-10 a 5, and 11-17 a 1. And it isn't even good historical romance after chapter 11, just predictable romantic drivel.
***Spoilers***
From the middle of chapter 11, you know the Jack does not get the girl, she does end up carrying his child, she will be miserable in a marriage to anyone other than Jack, etc, etc. And the reader just cringes as it all comes to pass (I kept thinking, okay get back to the story the way it was, and he finally does in chapter 13 or 14.)
I did not remember much about the book other than broad outlines, until that point, then chapter 11 brought brought my impressions from 15 years ago back in full force. And sadly, they are still the same today as then.
A worthy effort that peters out.
I can't say anything other than "What the hades happened to the author at chapter 11 and beyond?" I will confess it finishes nicely, if you can get past chapters 11, 12 and 13.
Book Review: YIKES.
Summary: 1 Stars
I was going to buy this book since it got so many good reviews, but decided to borrow it from the library first. I'm glad I did. I guess I'm too emotional for something like this. I couldn't get through even the first five chapters. The beginning was pretty good. It definately was dramatic enough, but I didn't see where it fit into the rest of the story. (Maybe he brought it together later, I don't know.) The biggest thing that bothered me was the depressing, dire circumstances of the family; When I knew that the wife was about to die, I almost didn't go any further because I knew with her gone there would be no hope for the baby she gave birth to only minutes before. So I put it down. Then I figured I could skip ahead and find out later what happend to the baby. I didn't skip far enough. The father left the baby with the dead mother, figuring the child would die no matter what he did, then realized he'd done wrong and went back for the baby only to find him gone. There was no sign of something having had the baby for lunch, so I'm guessing someone took him. I wasn't curious enough to find out. I didn't read any more after that. I'd just had my own baby about three months ago, and it absolutely tore me up to read that. So, if you tend to get emotional like I do, then it might be prudent to let this book be read by someone else who could take it better. I've also heard that this is very graphic. I definately will not be purchasing this book.
Book Review: Another great Follet Book!
Summary: 5 Stars
I own all of Ken Follet's book and for the most part adore all of them. I have read and re-read them over and love the long stories and many interweaving characters of his plots. I like his WWII novels better because that is what I studied in college, but this book is great as well. Some authors I have read before have 2 or 3 main characters-- Follet nevers does that. With him, you get story among story among story, but he does it in a way that is not confusing and makes the story rich and colorful. I do have one pet peeve with Follet. His women heroine never makes a first good choice-- she always marries or is in a relationship with someone at the beginning or sometime during the novel that is a cad, a bad person, or simply not for her. Sometimes he goes out of his way to make normally very intelligent women characters not have any sense when picking their mate. These women are smart and successful with every other aspect of their life, but when it comes to picking someone to marry, they will sacrifice what they know is right for something they know will make them miserable. I would just like one of his main female characters to make a good choice about love the first time around, just once. I know novels need conflict, but because I own all of his books, I see the same thing in EVERY novel, and that's what bothers me. Besides this little thing (that happens in all of his books) I love his books and he is one of my favorite authors.