The Pillars of the Earth

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 40 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

The Pillars of the Earth tells the story of Philip, prior of Kingsbridge, a devout and resourceful monk driven to build the greatest Gothic cathedral the world has known...of Tom, the mason who becomes his architect - a man divided in his soul...of the beautiful, elusive Lady Aliena, haunted by a secret shame...and of a struggle between good and evil that will turn church against state, and brother against brother.

A spellbinding epic tale of ambition, anarchy, and absolute power set against the sprawling medieval canvas of 12th century England, this is Ken Follett's historical masterpiece.

©1989 Ken Follett (P)2007 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA), Inc.

Critic reviews

"Follett is a master." (The Washington Post)

"A historical novel of gripping readability, authentic atmosphere and detail and memorable characterization." (Publishers Weekly)

Don't give up . . . outstanding

While I'm not a huge Oprah fan (I don't think I've ever watched her show), the Oprah's book club isn't a bad place to start when looking for good novels to read (or listen to). As dull as the description of this one sounded (I'm really not into historical dramas), I gave it a chance mostly because of the Oprah recommendation AND because it was ridiculously long (at 40 hours). I have become addicted to audiobooks (the longer the better) because of a very long commute. I admit this is a slow start one--a little too much background to cover before the real story can begin--but don't give up. A few hours in, you are HOOKED. This is the kind of audiobook that you arrive at your destination and sit in the car a little while because you just CAN'T turn it off. Historically accurate (although with definite dramatic license), occasionally uncomfortably graphic and sexual for some tastes, but very, very good character development. You get to KNOW these people, and care deeply about then.

Captivating

This was the best book I've ever listened to . I would come up with chores to do just so I could put my head phones on and listen. I finished Pillars last night and just downloaded World without End. I'm going to be seriously depressed when I finally have to leave the amazing world Ken Follett has created. Enjoy.

Dark Age Intrigue

This is *not* just a book about pretty buildings. That would be dull. Follet writes thrillers. So this is a book about *lives* of the people who were all needed to create the towns that built the central cathedral to this book . There is the suspense involving wicked earls and evil bishops to hiss at as well a breathtaking love stories occurring around the building of the cathedral which takes nearly a lifetime. The narration is spot on including a nice brogue for the main monk. You get real insight into what life was like in "dark ages" when so many more people truly feared and revered God. There are so many elements, (this is a *full on novel*) but there *isn't* a single dull page! Follett carefully intertwines all his characters ending with a true historical event making it all the more realistic. There is a reason this is his best selling book, this is Follet's masterpiece. His reason for writing a book so out of his usual style is explained perfectly in his prologue. It has become a "word of mouth" success. Well, here are my words to encourage you. We audio book lovers can't get enough truly *good long books* since we listen as often as possible. Many have said, they "can put it down or "can't wait to listen to more". I felt the same. For all it delivers, the drama, the history, the insight and commitment it takes to build such a building, and the evil that threatens to stop it.... all make this book is a real value.

Take a chance

I took a chance on this book. I almost let the dry sounding title, and the thing about the cathedral scare me off. This is a very entertaining book, and well narrated. It's less about monks and cathedrals, and more about the things people do, and the things that drive them. This is different than the usual Ken Follett, but then this is better than his rest. I am glad there is a sequel and am looking forward to it. I guess some authors can tell a good story regardless of subject. Enlightenment or edification, maybe not, good listen, yes.

A dark view of the dark ages

If you are looking for light reading, go else where. If you are a history buff, and can deal with the horror of England in it's dark age, this is for you evil and goodness at every level. I enjoyed every word of this unique story. Brilliant.

Absolutely Riveting Tale, Two Caveats

I couldn't stop listening to this engaging story. It is a real pageturner. The characters are well developed and the plot holds together throughout many hours. The Narrator is quite good.
So why 4 stars? One reason is the unfortunate tendency of the author to dwell on violent rape and sexual scenes. I alternated between thinking he had a perverse fascination with sadism and feeling he wanted to sell books. Such scenes only occur every several hours, but you tire of them. The other caveat is the treatment of Christians. Follett states he is an atheist in the intro. He does give a somewhat balanced view in that there is one "good" man of God among many evil ones just as there are evil and good outside the church. I will be the first (along with Luther, et al) to admit that there were many abuses in the medieval church, but there were surely devout men with good motives in many church positions.
Overall, this was a gripping tale and worth the credit if you have time for a long book.

Perfect audiobook

After burning the download onto 30 CDs, I didn't think I'd ever make it through. But to my surprise, this book never once lost my attention and I found myself wanting to stay in my car to listen to more! I would now put this on my list of my all time favorite books, absolutely fabulous.

Dramantic and heart aching

This is my first Ken Follett novel. If this is any indication of the kind of novel this man writes, I have found a new favorite author. The story, while a novel, is set within an historical context and he uses many facts and situations present during the period he is writing about. The story is breath-taking and I found it hard to stop listening. The story takes place over many years, is well developed and the character development is wonderful. I cared about what happened to the key characters and found many of the things that happened to them to be heart-aching. I don't say that about fiction very often. While you have to be willing to devote over 40 hours to this novel, you will not find many to compare in its beauty, tragedy, the dignity of the central characters in their ability to overcome pain and suffering. It was an inspiration. Hightly recommended.

visions

Hour after hour,the story created a personal bond with the people so you find yourself always bonding,and sharing there visions.Early times were hard,but these people in the story had so much drive,to accomplish there dreams,from good, to evil,love to hate,pain and joy,you will go back in time and be brought right into this book,World without end, is a must listen after this one...enjoy! I loved them both

A Must Listen!

I wasn't sure that I would enjoy this book, but I was persuaded by the reviews and am so glad I did. This is definitely my new favorite!