The Pillars of the Earth

Wow. Can I get an "Amen" just for finishing all 960 pages of this book? There is something profoundly satisfying about reading a 1,000 page book. When I bought it, I feared I might still be reading it when my kids graduated from high school.

So - how is the book? It's great, of course. This is not a new book, originally published some 15 years ago. Oprah put it back on the bestseller list. It is set in the 1100's and centers on the building of a cathedral in the priory of Kingsbridge. This was an unlikely novel for Ken Follett with his success as a suspense writer, and an unlikely one for this reader to enjoy. Follett became enthralled with the cathedrals of Europe, with the stories behind them, the generations of families who dedicated their lives to the building of these awesome structures. He wanted to tell the story of the building of a single cathedral, the violence and passion, stops and starts, even union squabbles that plagued its creation.

This is the classic good vs. evil drama where the momentum keeps swinging back and forth. The prior of Kingsbridge is such a compelling character, a monk who was rescued at the age of 6 after seeing his parents killed. His loveable but firm nature keeps him outwitting his enemies and caring for his flock. The female characters are powerful and interesting and imaginative. The book is just great. My single criticism is one that many of you will probably not share. I wish there were fewer bloody battle scenes. I fatigue from the descriptions of swords felling farmers and the raping of women. I would have enjoyed the epic more without that much violence.

With that caveat, I highly recommend all 960 pages of The Pillars of the Earth.