The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (2007, Unabridged, Compact Disc)

i drive to work 90 minutes each way and am always on the hunt for excellent in car entertainment to make the trip a pleasure - this story made me a fan of Ken Follett for ever. You can see from the 691 outstanding feedbacks in amazon.com that we all loved the intrique around the building of this cathedral. 90 years of the lives, very well researced, several colliding plots. The struggling mason and his family, the political situation, the power of the church, set in 12 century england. gripping writing and cogent attention to detail (architecture bores me but Follett does an excellent job of it here). A thoroughly wonderful historical romp - and don't worry, the bad guys eventually (and it takes a while) get what they deserve!

I decided to buy this audio book because I really enjoy novels by Ken Follett, but do not have the time to sit and read his books. So, I listen to them on audio books while I drive or while I work around the house. This makes the tasks less burdensome and I get to enjoy the books I love.

I enjoy historical novels, and this book is different from most of Follett's books in that it is set in Mediaeval Times in England. It is exciting and interesting, so that I hate to turn it off and then, can't wait to get back to it! I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys history and/or Ken Follett.

Certainly an epic novel!

Follet masterfully wove a tale of humanity, history, innovations in building, medicine and social evolution without boring the reader, or preaching to the unconvinced. Set in the middle ages, one might be afraid the period was a snoozer. No way! Hard to put down, and anxious to get on to the sequel, "World Without End".

As with all Ken Follet novels, I was put at ease, allowed to be intelligent, and immersed in the adventure!

This is an incredibly well-written book with several compelling parallel and over-lapping storylines. But it is hard to get into. Thank goodness for the audiobook. If I had to carry that dictionary-sized tome and look up every weird medieval word, I doubt I'd pick it up a 2nd time.

But the reader is excellent and keeps you hooked into the story - once you FINALLY get hooked. It takes a long time because the author insists on giving every iota of detail possible. By chapter 3 you'll be ready to take an exam for an architecture license... and make bread. Also, the minutiae of Catholic Church politics drove me nuts. I just wanted to get on with it already. I guess the author felt it was needed to set the groundwork. But for Pete's sake! I was up to CD 11 (of 32!!!!)before I cared anything about what was happening. I only kept listening because it was my book club's selection.

But now we've already had the book club meeting, I know how things turned out in the story, and I'm STILL listening to the CDs. Once you're hooked - you're in. Follett is a great writer and the reader John Lee does him justice. Just be patient. It's worth it.

This book is awesome. I listen to it on my way to work, and also on my way home. A friend lent me their book on CD of "World Without End" by Ken Follett. It was so good that I had to buy "Pillars of the Earth". It arrived in the brand new sealed boxed in excellent condition. I highly recommend both books.