The Pillars of the Earth

First, the narrator Richard E. Grant is about as good as they get. For me that's a determining factor in purchasing a printed copy or audiobook. Pillars is a refreshing change from most historical novels, you'll be hanging on every word about life in the Middle Ages! Follett weaves humanity into his story and keeps us wondering what will happen next. I did not realize I had purchased the abridged version until I was near the end and wanted more! When I purchased the sequel, I realized what I had done. Now I'm wondering whether I missed something by not hearing the unabridged version or if I only liked it this much BECAUSE it was abridged. Either way, this version is wonderful. (If someone heard both versions, please write a review).

Couldn't have picked a better first or enjoyed it more! I am totally hooked on audio books now, and recommend this one to anyone who likes a bit of history in their fiction. Quickest 10 hours I've ever spent

Great Book - but I missed a lot with the abridged - at times it felt as though the story would end at a chapter and then pick up many, many chapters later - a little disjointed. I listened to the unabridged version of the sequel and it was so much better. I would definitely not recommend this abridged version. Think about it - you are missing 28 hours worth of text. So you're not missing just description - you're actually missing a lot of the plot.

The story flowed well and captured my interest. the reader was wonderful and did an excellent job creating different voices for the various characters.

It takes a while to get into this audiobook. It starts off really sad. In the middle it's really sad. Even near the end it's sad. But it's still a good book. Once I felt invested in the characters I really enjoyed it. Great plot twist and amazing description of architecture.

This is a quality story about people. Struggle, intrigue, politics, character - it has it all. One of Follet's best.
Not religious. I recommend it - you will not want to turn your car off.

Yes, Ken Follett wrote the novel but Richard E. Grant is the one who tells the story and he does so marvelously well, bringing characters and scenes to life in such an engaging way. He rivals the reader of the Harry Potter books for his ability to give each character their own voices. I could hardly bring myself to turn the novel off!

Am now off to look for the other books read by Richard E. Grant.

Beautifully written and narrated. One of my favorites yet.

Well written, beautifully imaged, historically accurate.

The narrator is wonderful! He has a different inflection for each character.

There were several main characters, all very well developed.