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)

Couldn't Take My Buds Out

I thought, whew, 40 hours, but I really enjoyed it. One of those books that keeps you up late.
I liked the way the story moved. My only complaint was the repeaded rapes and the details of step by step sex, which, I personally find boring by most writers, I did >> a couple of times. I'm downloading the sequel now, so that tells the real tale. If you like family and political sagas, you won't be disappointed.

The Pillars of the Earth

Little can be added to what's already been said about this book. For me, I just loved it.

A must have (listen)

Rarely do I bother to offer a comment or review online about anything, be it on Audible or about some other purchase.
But Follet's "Pillars" is outstanding and a great match for an audiobook. For anyone like me that spends a lot of time behind the wheel on the open road, this story will have you enthralled right from the beginning, do not be intimidated by the unabridged length of this audio book.
A definite must have in the audio library.
Cheers,

Deserves 10 Stars

The most incredible book I've ever read or listened too. Very rich characters and very interesting backdrop with the building of a cathedral and the politics of the times. I was sorry it ended.

Praise Be to John Lee

With his heart in his mouth, the reader returned once again to John Lee's reading of The Pillars of the Earth.

William Hamley was raping a woman again. This Hamley was a curious fellow: He and the Bishop of Kingsbridge represented a duo of villains nearly as poorly-realized as Prince Lotor and Haggar the Witch, providing hideous rape scenes instead of Robeasts. It was a shame that this particular book placed such heavy focus on them, and on Hamley in particular, as his chapters were the least interesting and most predictable in the book-- perhaps in any book.

Despite this, the reader found himself greatly enjoying this audiobook. The narrator, John Lee, had made the experience of listening to this novel absolutely transcendent through consistently animated narration and effective character portrayals. His voice had presence and life, in comparison to which other narrators could only be diminished.

By day's end, the book was complete. Despite previous irritations with the frequent rape scenes, the reader had to admit that because of the many other fascinating characters in The Pillars of the Earth, the experience with this novel had been immensely enjoyable. This was a testament to John Lee as a narrator as much as it was to Ken Follett as a writer; but whatever the reason, it was clear that this had been an experience that was easy to recommend.

Also recommended is spinach salad with grilled salmon. Couple it with a balsamic vinaigrette for maximum delight.

"The Pillars of the Earth"

The most spellbinding suspensful tale of historical twelth century lifestyle I have ever read. The trials and tribulations of the characters are written in such expertise they become your own life experience. Tears, joy, suffering and encouragement course through your heart and soul as you read and/or listen to the events of the story unfold. This book was simply one which when I began to listen I was unable to stop.

A great deal of accurate research of early century living and the early stages of one of the largest religious organizations in the world has compounded the strength and determination of the characters within.

Hardships seldom known in our world in which many of us are oblivious to in our day and time are exemplified and shared from victom to victory. Justice is served regardless right or wrong. People made decisions and stuck by them. This was a world, an admirable world of made decisions. There is no wishy washy indicisiveness here. All things had a purpose wether for good, evil or advancement. People knew what they needed and had the intestinal fortitude to seek those needs and protect their families.

This is a must read. Especially for those whom are looking for strength, for those whom think they have been wronged. This book encourages ones hopes and dreams on many levels. Always keeping one on the edge of their seat awaiting the outcome of each situation that arises and needs be defeated.

Could this be our future? ...

Very, very good download

I've listened to many, many audiobooks, and I have to say this was my favorite. I absolutely couldn't put this one down. I didn't want to listen to any others for a while, because they couldn't measure up to this one. The narrator does an outstanding job, It seemed more like 5 narrators with all the various voices. I just couldn't rate this high enough to do it justice. A beautiful, vast and sweeping novel....my new favorite!

Incredible!

I am 62 years old and have never listened to a more interesting, suspenseful, romantic novel in my life. The whole time I was listening I became part of the story. It was told so well that I was able to imagine myself as one of the characters. I thought nothing can compare to this until I listened to his sequel.

My favourite book

I loved everything about this book. The author is a masterful writer and the narrator did such a great job reading the book. The characters are very lovable (and some I hated). There are a lot of sex talk though, which I personally enjoyed, but some may find it too explicit. This book is mostly a love story more than anything else. I hope you will love the book as much as I did!

One of very few I would listen to twice

I seldom listen to books of this length - much less do I want to listen to them again. The juxtaposition of good and evil - Godliness and Godlessness - is perfectly drawn. A historian friend requires this book for her college history students, feeling the portrayal of the period is as good as it gets. You will love it and the sequel - World Without End.