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)

The novel that made Ken Follett!

The first book I ever read from Ken Follett was "Eye of the Needle" and I loved his writing style. So many of his books fit in the same genre. Then he made this radical departure which I found on the shelf at the bookstore when it was first released. I was amazed this was the same author. It is clearly Ken Follett, but an about face with genre and an amazing change that enthralls the mind and traps the soul like NO other book he has ever written. This is his masterpiece! I don't think he believed it would be anything of the kind. I have listened to it on Audiobook CDs (a painful method) before and I want to hear it again and just purchased it from Audible. I look forward to my third [or so] run through this amazing novel.

No matter what your thoughts are about Ken Follett's previous work, you must give this book a read; you will not regret it.

Artfully done, fabulous conclusion

Follett, the master of riveting pulp fiction, gives us a inspirational masterpiece, albeit R-rated. Read this book if you want to be inspired while being entertained. Accurately referencing the times of Henry II, Follett threads a tale that enlightens the reader to what life must have been like in Briton in the twelfth century. Freemasons, clergy and closet historians will enjoy it, especially because as an admitted nonbeliever, Mr Follett pays Christians such respect in the character of Prior Philip. Thank you Mr Follett for struggling over three decades to give us this timeless writing. I rank it with Kipling, Steinbeck, and Faulkner.

Everything everyone says it is!

Any additional comments?

I was hesitant on getting this book, not usually my style. But it was a fantastic listen! Well worth the money. Great story, great character building and kept you wondering. It does have sex, rape, and murder in it, so if you are squeamish, it might not be for you. But it is a really great book that you should totally listen too, read, and more!!! Loved it!

Great story!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Pillars of the Earth to be better than the print version?

I can't compare the two because I've never read the print version.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Pillars of the Earth?

The violation at Shiring was a memorable moment for me. I remember feeling SO upset, even though I knew I was reading fiction. How awful!

Have you listened to any of John Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my first experience with John Lee.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, when Aliena set off on her quest to find Jack.

Any additional comments?

What a great book. From the beginning, I was never bored. I laughed, I cringed, I cheered... I absolutely enjoyed this story!

And the house was so clean....

What a wonderful book and excellent narrator. I kept looking for things to do around the house, cleaning to be done, garage to be organized, so that I could listen to the Pillars of the Earth.

Captivating

I started reading and thought I don't think I'm going to like this book. Boy was I wrong. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book. It's one of the best books I've read in months.

Relentless pages of Gore and Morbid Violence, hampers any story

We get it. Medievil England was a harsh environment. Violence was rampant but do we really need page after page after page filled with detailed description of rape, torture, murder and savagery? Some description, yes but ½ this book is spent describing human misery and suffering as if it were something amusing or entertaining. it’s not like Game of Thrones violence that pertains to the story. Follett’s lengthy descriptions of suffering are unnecessary after the first few and rarely even effect the story.
If you read details of one soldiers suffering and torture, do you really need to hear about 10 more to get the idea? Or does he think hearing details of people’s pain is entertainment?

John Lee’s Reading is fine, a bit sing song but ok.
Eventually I just began to fast-forward when I came to yet another lengthy description of horrific violence. Perhaps the abridged version has more story and less gore.

Incredible work by Follett

Any additional comments?

I am one of those people who constantly yearns for a good work of historical fiction. Unfortunately for me and my kind, this is the only 5 star in the category I've yet come across.
This book has everything, entertainment, rich plot, deep characters, historical accuracy and education. John Lee does a brilliant job on narration, with an endless plethora of accents and modulated tones to enhance the experience all the more.

Loved it!!

This was my first audio book. Contains a grand story with fantastic characters. Not sure the next thing I listen to can compare!

Pillars

better than game of thrones.
I never thought I would be interested by a book about cathedral building, but the writing style is masterful to say the least.
Highly recommend it.