World Without End

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 45 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1989 Ken Follett astonished the literary world with The Pillars of the Earth, a sweeping epic novel set in 12th-century England that centered on the building of a cathedral and the men, women, and children whose lives it changed forever. Critics were overwhelmed, and readers and listeners ever since have hoped for a sequel.

At last, here it is. Although the two novels may be listened to in any order, World Without End takes place in the same town of Kingsbridge, two centuries after the townspeople finished building the exquisite Gothic cathedral that was at the heart of The Pillars of the Earth. The cathedral and the priory are again at the center of a web of love and hate, greed and pride, ambition and revenge.

Three years in the writing, World Without End once again shows that Ken Follett is a masterful author writing at the top of his craft.

Listen to The Pillars of the Earth.

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

Critic reviews

"Fans of Follett's previous medieval epic will be well rewarded." (Publishers Weekly)

Amazing story. Excellent narration.

A problem I like to have at the end of a book: I’m sad it’s over and will miss all the characters! I loved the feeling as if going back in time and how well Follet places you there. His characters are so human and the whole story is so very real feeling. Perfect escape from 2022! The conflict between the church and the royalty was realistically drastic and the disparity between the rich and poor was shockingly prevalent. So much has changed and yet remained the same! And thinking about just how difficult living in the medieval times was make me appreciate our modern advances. The plague was horrendous. The inside look into how some people learned from it and some resisted the learning from it was interesting.
Excellent book all around and the narration was spot on and incredibly enjoyable!

historical fiction

an engaging sequel to Pillars of the Earth. The narrator is amazing- you feel like you are there with the characters back in the 1300s.

A must have for every collection!

This thrilling and comprehensive story was expertly produced. The narrator's vocal ranges gave life and depth to an already captivating novel. It was hard not to listen and be bourn away in historical fiction! I must now have it in print!

loved it

loved it narrating was adequate..if not well done. looking forward to more with Good experience

Wonderful Book

A beautifully written, touching and inspiring saga narrated with passion.

exceptional

Mr Follett is once again true to himself and his host of characters. wonderful story, delightfully told.

Disappointed

A wide canvas full of promise let down by characters from out of century. Sex scenes not appropriate for this type of book a mixture of crudity and vulgarity . Good details about the 14th century and a good feel for the time.

Compelling story, interesting characters

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Sometimes you read a story and its blinding pace, exotic locations, racing adventure and sex appeal keep you turning the pages.

Other times you read a story because, although it lacks everything I mentioned in the previous description, you cannot put it down because the descriptions, plot and characters grab your interest and don't let go.

This story is the second type.

AB

Who was your favorite character and why?

I like that all of the characters stand on their own, giving you reasons to both like and dislike them. There are definite protagonists and antagonists, but nearly everyone has good and bad traits. Except Aliena...who is a bit of a Mary Sue.

What does John Lee bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

John separates the characters and brings their unique personalities to life.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A factual historical backdrop hosts this fictional journey through the triumphs & tragedies of those involved in building Kingsbridge Cathedral.

Any additional comments?

Intrigue and conspiracy,historical events, medieval architecture, civil war, secular/religious conflicts and shifting political loyalties.

Good book and well written. Just a few slow points

As I said, a few slow points, and it could have used a little more of a climax, but all in all, well written and well read.

The struggle of good vs. evil in 1300s england.

What did you love best about World Without End?

The characters are wonderfully diverse and still so very believable. Once again, John Lee does such a fabulous job of portraying a large cast of men and women that he (the voice of the reader) simply fades away and the voices of the characters and the story take center stage.

What did you like best about this story?

There is a lot that happens in this story over a number of decades. Which allows us the longer view of the many and complex relationships portrayed. As we walk along with these people as the unseen observer, we share a history of sorts with them and one cannot help but to be drawn in and start to really care about them.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I have to admit I did fell strongly about some of the wrongs committed against the characters I'd grown to like, and then smiled when the tide turned.

Any additional comments?

Unfortunately, this recording was taken from a set 30+ disks and I was frustrated to hear "End of Disk ##" in someone other than John Lee's voice, at regular intervals. These annoying interruptions should be edited out...