World Without End by Ken Follett (2007, Unabridged, Compact Disc)

I am an avid reader, and while I do read from just about every genre, there are but two that are close to my heart- medieval historical fiction, and fantasy. This book falls within the former category, I should say, it dominates it.

There are any number of books out there that are purported to be historically accurate, or historical fiction or just plain fiction set in the timeframe between the Crusades and the Renaissance era, but few, I have found, can capture the essence of the setting, environment, chronology, locale, etc as completely and fantastically as Ken Follett. A writer known primarily for his novels in the thriller genre, of which he is quite capable, this and its prequel, the Pillars of the Earth mark a decided departure from the thriller genre and made an indelible impact on the historical fiction side of things.

From the engaging and interesting cast of characters, to the timeframe of the Hundred Years' War during the reign of Edward III, to the dismal yet beautiful countryside that is England (and other locales within medieval Europe)- his most excellent grasp of the English language and its usage will paint a picture that you can't help but see and in some cases, cringe, due to the brutality of a given act or set of occurrences. You'll weep in shared empathy when one of the main lead characters must go through a long and arduous journey to win the heart of his childhood love; cry with frustration when that same childhood love is put through an ordeal that one should never have to face in order to survive in this world; your heart will race as you hide with the others from the constable who is coming to lay claim to their eldest son for defending himself from an official who sought to do him harm for moving to another town- the list goes on and you'll feel for each and every sympathetic as well as antipathetic character. I love a book that answers the question of why do characters do what they do, what is the cause, the inspiration or driving force behind their actions?

Mr. Follett weaves a magnificent tale of love and betrayal, triumph, tragedy and the beauty and fortitude of the human spirit. In this book you'll experience life as seen through the eyes of commoners in 14th Century England- all of what they experience over a 4 decade sprawl that is this book- in such a way as to smell the rank odor of the newly deceased, the crush of unwashed bodies of the people sleeping on the stone floor of the church, to feel the abject misery of being sold into slavery for a few coins, the loss of loved ones- every instance painful and poignant and yet- this book is a serious page turner, most difficult to put down.

I guess it goes without saying that I truly enjoyed this book- so much so that upon finishing it, I immediately started re-reading it...not only because it was that good, but because I wanted to make sure I hadn't missed a thing, I want it all in memory. There are few books with which I've pursued reading with such zeal...this is one of those books.

Ken Follett has become my most favorite author! World Without End is great followup of The Pillars of the Earth. These two books will keep you tied to your seat, forgetting everything else that needs to be done, while you read "just one more chapter"!
Blondie

I read the prequel to this..."Pillars of the Earth" by Follett. I am really enjoying this big, "juicy" novel about life in England in the 1300's. The amount of research the author must have done for this is staggering! It is about life in the town of Kingsbridge...life for the monks of the priory, the nobility, and the commonfolk and their interactions with each other. These two novels are also about building cathedrals and bridges, families, political intrigue and lots of romance!!! A good read/listen!

As usual, Ken Follett does his historical homework. This is somewhat of a sequel to Pillars of the Earth. This looks at the town of Kingsbridge and its occupants after the cathedral has been established. It makes for fascinating reading. His development of the characters, both good and evil, always builds a better understanding of the times and their impact on human nature.
I have enjoyed many of his books.

Ken Follett surpasses his PILLARS OF THE EARTH with this sequel that takes place a couple of centuries later. Excellently written, the characters have you on the edge of your seat. A "MUST READ" for all Pillars fans.