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)

Not Perfect

Initially, this book appears to be a "bodice ripper" as it primarily describes the sexual encounters of the various characters. Eventually, a storyline does develop. The theme of the first book was unrelenting evil with sex on the side, The theme of this book is sex with unrelenting evil on the side. I had to continually remind myself that the lack of morality by much of the clergy, nobility and commoners was a way of life in the 1300's.

Novel without end!

Ken Follet wrote some really long epic novels; World Without End is among the longest. Set in 14th century England this historical novel tells a wonderful tale. It is, nevertheless slow moving and sometimes redundant. I recommend the abridged version of the audio book which at 14 hours is almost 70% shorter. I generally stay away from abridged versions of novels, but Follett is a clear exception.

The Enlightenment Came Early in Kingsbridge

I had previously enjoyed "Pillars of the Earth". This book was equally satisfying. The characters are engaging. Kerras Wooler brings many modern qualities to the story. At times I wondered if it was possible for a woman in 14th century England to understand the scientific method intuitively and develop a preliminary understanding of the germ theory. This is fiction after all and there are extraordinary people in every age. My only criticism is that there are so many parallels to "Pillars" that it was easy to predict which characters would ultimately triumph. This is something like a first time ride on a very long roller coaster. You know where you will end, but you can't guess the many twists and turns before the conclusion.

What can one say

Ken Follett sits without question as one of the stars of historical fiction. His characters are so well developed they put the reader in the time and place. This story is well developed and carries the reader's interest beginning to end. While it is the sequel to Pillars of Earth, it builds just perfect as a stand alone novel.

John Lee pays the valuable performance this book deserves.

Best History lesson Ever!!!

This book will remind you to appreciate a great author, who does research and is creative...that is Ken Follett. I loved this book for the depth of characters as well as the feeling being in the time. Excellent descriptions, superb story line and every minute is interesting. The narrator was wonderful!

A literary cathedral

A magnificent monument to man, echoing with ideas, shimmering with a reflection of mankind's' greatest traits, offset against the unilluminated silent corners of our baser instincts, but buttressed with our Quixotic desire to achieve the unachievable.

Shedding a little light, not only on the dark ages, but on all ages.

Bravo.

Wont Regret It

I would rate John Lee as the best narrator I've heard yet. Ken Folletts writing is second to none. Whether you purchase and listen to World Without End or Pillars of the Earth it will surely be one of the best audiobook purchases you make.

Get it, you will not regret it.

This book easily gets on my top ten list. I have been listening for a long time with over 300 books downloaded from various sources.

I am not sure whether it's better than "Pillars of the Earth", but it's irrelevant because I'd recommend to get them both.

World Without End

Exciting and well researched. Compelling story of the building of Englands cathedrals. The characters were very human and vulnerable. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Well read.

More Please!

Are both of these books really over? Did I just listen to 85+ hours of wonderful narrative that has now ended? The reader deserves every bit of recognition that one could think of to bestow upon him. Oh my. I am sad. I loved both this one and Pillars. I loved where they both took me, I loved what I learned, enjoyed every word of the journey. I hope the author will write more. I want more....now.....please?