Book Title: The Pillars of the Earth
Author: Ken Follett
Genre: Historical Fiction
GoodReads Rating: 4.33 out of 5 stars
Best Selling List: #1 New York Times Bestseller, #1 Amazon Bestseller, #1 Oprah’s Book Club Selection
Introduction:
If you are looking for a captivating and epic historical novel that spans decades and generations, you might want to check out The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. This book tells the story of the building of a magnificent Gothic cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, England, during the turbulent 12th century.
You will be immersed in the lives of the characters who are involved in the construction, as well as the political, religious, and social conflicts that shape their destinies. The Pillars of the Earth is a masterpiece of storytelling that combines historical accuracy, rich details, and thrilling drama.
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Summary:
The Pillars of the Earth begins with the sinking of the White Ship in 1120, which kills the only legitimate son of King Henry I and plunges England into a civil war between his daughter Maud and his nephew Stephen.
This period of chaos and violence is known as the Anarchy, and it affects the fate of the Kingsbridge priory and its ambitious prior, Philip. Philip dreams of building a glorious cathedral that will bring prosperity and prestige to his monastery and town.
He hires Tom Builder, a talented but poor mason who has a vision of the perfect church. Tom’s family includes his wife Agnes, his son Alfred, his daughter Martha, and his stepson Jack, who is the son of Ellen, a mysterious woman who lives in the forest and has a powerful curse.
Tom also befriends Aliena, a noblewoman who loses everything when her father, the Earl of Shiring, is imprisoned by the usurper Stephen. Aliena vows to restore her family’s honor and fortune, and falls in love with Jack, who becomes an artist in stone.
The building of the cathedral is the center of the plot, and it faces many obstacles and challenges, such as lack of funds, natural disasters, sabotage, arson, and war.
The cathedral also attracts the attention and envy of many enemies, such as Waleran Bigod, a scheming bishop who opposes Philip’s reforms; William Hamleigh, a brutal lord who covets Aliena and Kingsbridge’s lands; and Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury who defies the king and the pope.
The story follows the characters through their struggles, triumphs, and tragedies, as they witness the rise and fall of kings, the clash of popes and emperors, and the emergence of a new architectural style that reflects the changing times.
Key Takeaways:
The Pillars of the Earth is a novel that explores the themes of ambition, faith, love, and power. It shows how the building of a cathedral can be a symbol of human achievement, as well as a reflection of the divine.
It also illustrates how the people who work on the cathedral are influenced by their personal beliefs, passions, and values, and how they affect the history and society around them.
The novel also portrays the historical events and figures of the 12th century, such as the Anarchy, the Crusades, the murder of Thomas Becket, and the conflict between Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. The novel is a rich and vivid depiction of the medieval world, with its culture, politics, religion, art, and science.
Strengths:
One of the strengths of the novel is its characterization. The author creates memorable and realistic characters who have complex personalities, motivations, and relationships. The reader can empathize with their hopes, fears, joys, and sorrows, and witness their growth and development throughout the novel.
The characters are also diverse and represent different classes, genders, and backgrounds, such as monks, nobles, peasants, women, and outcasts. Another strength of the novel is its plot. The author crafts a compelling and engaging story that keeps the reader hooked and interested.
The plot is well-paced and balanced, with a mix of action, suspense, romance, and drama. The plot also has many twists and turns, surprises and shocks, that keep the reader guessing and intrigued. The plot is also coherent and consistent, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, and a satisfying resolution.
Weaknesses:
One of the weaknesses of the novel is its length. The novel is over 1,000 pages long, which can be daunting and intimidating for some readers. The novel also has many details and descriptions, which can be informative and immersive, but also tedious and boring at times.
The novel also has some scenes and events that are repetitive and unnecessary, such as the numerous battles and sieges, the sexual assaults and violence, and the cathedral’s construction and destruction. Another weakness of the novel is its historical accuracy.
The author admits that he has taken some liberties and made some changes to the historical facts and figures, such as the dates, locations, and names of some events and characters. The author also adds some fictional elements and inventions, such as the curse, the prophecy, and the secret tunnel.
The author also has some anachronisms and inaccuracies, such as the use of modern language and terminology, the portrayal of some social and cultural aspects, and the depiction of some historical personalities and attitudes.
Conclusion:
The Pillars of the Earth is a remarkable and impressive historical novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy epic and sweeping stories, rich and detailed settings, and complex and realistic characters. The novel is a masterpiece of storytelling that transports the reader to the medieval world and makes them feel part of the history and the drama.
The novel is also a tribute to the art and beauty of the Gothic cathedral, and the people who built it with their skill and passion. The novel is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, and for anyone who appreciates a good and captivating story.
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