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)

Outstanding

Outstanding book and outstanding narrator. One of the best I have ever bought!

Excellent!!

I could not stop listening to this book! I listened to it in record time because I could not wait to find out what happened next. It was very well written and very well narrated. Although I think that it probably appeals more to women than men, I enjoyed it very much. I cannot wait to read the follow on book. The only thing that I disliked in the book is that it is a little too graphic at times in its language and in its description of sex and violence.

Wonderful visit

Follett gives us a wonderful visit in a most interesting period of history. It's long, captivating, entertaining - and leaves us wanting more. Loved it.

Epic adventure

I feel like I've been in an epic adventure after listening to this novel. My coworkers who overheard the audio book said that the narrator sounded like an old professor that would bore them but I honestly thought he did a great job. He was consistent in using different tones and inflections for the different characters. He was animated when the text called for it. An unlike another male narrator I had listened to his voice was clear and there was no "mouthy" background sounds. He kept me very engaged in the story

Fantastic!!!!

Total page turner. I was nervous because it was so long, but I couldn’t wait for the opportunity to listen. I love historical fiction. Loved how characters would come and go and surprise you with how they intertwined.

Breathtaking storytelling

Absolutely loved it, so vivid that i felt I'm in the middle of all happenings, narrator has great ear pleasing tone of his voice, interpreting dialogues very well - could not stop listening, sometimes going through almost 6 hours of listening blocks.

Incredible

This book is a captivating epic tale that far surpassed my expectations. Follet’s beautiful prose and character development come together to make this one of my favorite books.

Loved this book!

I loved this book--kept my interest the whole way through. Kind of reminded me of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. Could definitely tell it was written from a man's point of view though...!

Excellent Story

I really enjoyed the story. Very intriguing and keeps you captivated for the entire book.

Fabulous!

Engrossing, beautifully written, my favorite if Ken Follett's books so far. Characters well developed and endearing. It stays with your soul.