Pillars of the Earth (spoiler free review) by Ken Follet

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[@bookmarkswithjason9445]

I also just finished it. Might be my new favorite book. Crazy how many people read this around the same time.

[@Paul_McSeol]

Amazing book! Found a copy in a Starbucks in Texas a decade ago and sat there reading all day. Such a terrific plot and some truly epic redemptions. Loved it.

[@DrMetalpin]

My favorite novels of all time have been Lonesome Dove, Shogun, and Pillars of the Earth for about 30 years. I’ve read many great books every year, but nothing supplants those. I’m a huge SF and Fantasy reader, so it’s always been interesting that those are my top 3.

[@benbrown007]

I completely agree. All those 3 would have to be in my top 5 (East of Eden comes close). There just seems to be more fantasy written, so one reads fantasy. But for the best these are hard to beat

[@angiethebookaholic]

It is my favourite Ken Follet book. When someone recommended me this he told that it is about the building of cathedral in 11th century England and I was like, I am going to be bored but still gave it a try and I have never regretted that decision. Glad you too love this!

[@sebastianbean8226]

It doesn't even really feel like a Follet book. I guess I got so used to their thriller spy books

[@angiethebookaholic]

@@sebastianbean8226 True. When he started writing Pillars everyone around him discouraged and suggested that he stuck to his expertise which is spy novels. But, he didnt listen to them and after 10 years , he published the best historical novel out there! :)

[@1957DLT]

Who the heck would think that reading about the building of a church would be so compelling...certainly not a Ken Follett thriller/mystery (Key to Rebecca, Eye of the Needle) fan like me who stumbled onto it while reading his backlog. I am so glad you found Pillars, Matt.

[@tyrson4331]

Love Pillars and also the next book. You should read The Accursed Kings by Maurice Druon. Such a good historical fiction series. George R R Martin has said it was one of his biggest inspirations

[@ryerye3147]

I loved this book, it’s incredible, wait till you read the 2nd book, if you thought William was awful, wait till you meet Ralph. To think he started writing to make enough money to fix his car.

[@amyaybar7894]

I read this decades ago and still have great memories of it. I've been wanting to read it again this year because I want to continue with the series. This is truly a modern classic and that's why it's still a great book to this day.

[@thomashajek7544]

This has been my #1 book since its release. I am so glad you like it so much. Love all your stuff Matt.

[@0Arman0]

So I Live in a smaller city in northern Spain, we often don't huge have English book selections. I was browsing our "Barnes and knobles" and one of the few books they had in English in the fantasyish section was this! I have to go back and buy it now haha

[@BreakingSpines]

Being as excited as you are after a 40 hour audiobook truly speaks volumes (Pun intended) to the quality of this tome.

[@danielroop3178]

I read this years ago but have never continued the series. I really need to get back to it. It is absolutely fantastic!!

[@BooksWithBenghisKahn]

Shooting up the tbr! Loved hearing this gush review!

[@andybarker8787]

I KNEW IT!!! Wait until you get to book two. The whole series is incredible. Full disclosure though I believe Follett is the highest point in all of historical fiction.

[@shwetmani3239]

I am so happy you loved it, man! I was ready to feel a little ridiculous if it didn't land for you after recommending it again and again for a long time now lol but low key knew you would love it but hearing that it went down as one of your favourites too made my day!

[@fantasyfanatic6038]

I also read this recently and it’s hard to put into words how amazing of a reading experience it was. It’s one of the most awe-inspiring stories I’ve ever read. Truly one of my new favorites books of all-time.

[@murph-4]

Havnt read the book but absolutely LOVE this TV miniseries they made of this!! Please do more historical fiction reviews, love the fantasy but also would love historical ficrion that is just as good please! 😊

[@safinan8008]

Hopefully going to read this book soon… happy reading to you!! 🎉

[@bookinhand_]

It's such an amazing book, it started my love of historical fiction. ❤

[@constanzafrancese7787]

It's one of my favorite books! I read it on a whim when I was a teenager because I inherited a lot of books from my great-great-aunt, and ended up obsessed with the story. It amazed me how similar it felt to reading fantasy. There's also a mini series that I watched, but since it was so long ago I don't remember how I liked it 😅

[@Bagodonuts15]

You loved my favorite book from my 20s which was Bloodsong and now you love my favorite book from my teens. I don't know why that makes me happy, but here I am. I should probably read more of your suggestions, if we have those in common.

[@akellerhouse83]

This is good news to me! My mother bought me the entire series in hard cover for my Christmas present this year. I've been wanting to read it for a while now.

[@alidap2061]

You have a Great mother.😊

[@fjuran1]

So glad you loved it. Read this so many years ago. It's an incredible book, the most nasty villain I have ever read. The next book is just as good. Time for a reread of the entire series.

[@alynam82]

Great review 🤌 You reflect my thoughts on this one 💯 I just finished the latest book in this series, and while it doesn't touch the level of Pillars of the Earth, it was still a very good book

[@whisper_dvm5157]

Between you and another KZbinr that posted a review recently, it’s like the universe is telling me it’s time to reread this book. I read it well over a decade ago and loved it. I own the Starz adaption on Blueray. Might be due for a rewatch too. It has an amazing cast and was really well done.

[@dinocollins720]

Downloading this book rn!!!

[@Talking_Story]

Got this on the shelf I guess I better get to it quicker than I was thinking.

[@Ninaofthe90s]

I actually read this the first time when I was 12 years old. (more than 20 years ago). Not very fitting for a twelve year old 😂 but I loved it. And I read it many times since then. Certainly in my top 10 favorite books. ❤️

[@littlebookbin]

Matt’s Historical Fiction Book Reviews has a nice ring to it

[@shadowoflugia]

This was one of my favorite books ever. I saw that I had read it in 2014, nearly ten years ago. It’s time for a reread!

[@brandonkelleher2651]

Don’t know if you’ve ever read the Wolf Hall trilogy but I read those books right after this and loved them even more.

[@Danny_Matson]

I agree with every single thing you said. One of the best books I've ever read. Will read At World's End this year. Hope you fit it in to your TBR at some point too!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yup!

[@RedFuryBooks]

I'm so glad that you loved this book - it's easily in my top 5 of all time. Follett started as a thriller writer, so that's a big reason why the plotting in this book is so superb. It was my gateway into loving historical fiction!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Ah...that makes a ton of sense!

[@alb0zfinest]

You guys should give his Century trilogy a chance. Imo it's even better.

[@RedFuryBooks]

@@alb0zfinest I definitely will at some point.

[@johankoreviews5424]

im early as hell, love your reviews keep going!!!

[@DanExploresBooks]

Hey! No idea you were reading this! It is the best. I can't wait to keep going with it. Truly one of the all-time great books I have ever read. As a writer, Ken Follett is up with the best of them. Now the fantasy community needs to bug him for a full-fledged fantasy series. Start a movement or petition.

[@KindlesandKicks]

Wow, top few books? Must add it to my TBR!

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

Nice hoodie! Even nicer freekick goal by Enzo today against Villa

[@sarahhorne2802]

I have this audiobook due to come in from library, the length puts me off! I read the first few chapters last year and loved it but for some reason I put it down! I’m going to do it this time!! 😊

[@Birdshowace]

I loved this book! I listened to it in audiobook format too. Oathbringer is 15 hours longer than Pillars of the Earth on audible!!

[@misternegative4918]

This was one of the last books I read last year. Was so incredible. I’ve never hated a character as much as I did in this book. Was insane being in the characters head too. I’m excited to continue with more Ken Follett books. I already have the first book in his world war 2 book series too.

[@84tand]

My favorite book of all time. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MonnyArcade]

First read over 10 years ago. Still an absolute favourite book!

[@weregretohio7728]

Really need to gear myself up to tackle this series of doorstops sometime...

[@sasapejcin3568]

Don't be afraid! It's gripping and pacing is really good! I've read the first book in a few days! I didn't read the other two though.

[@brandonnielsen3610]

It's actually my single favorite book of all time! I am so glad that you thought it was amazing as well! My blood boils just thinking about some of the things William Hamleigh does.

[@claytonhomer3096]

Awesome that you loved the book, most of these epic famous works have the reputation because they are actually great books. For reference this book is 40 hour audiobook, Of War and Ruin by Cahill is about 45 hours and Oathbringer by Sanderson is 55 hours. Now reading speed varies, but the wordcount is about 400k which puts slightly bigger than the biggest Malazan books. Again, Oathbringer is longest stormlight book at over 450k words. All massive tomes.

[@heretic124]

The length is the reason why I haven't read this yet. I watched the TV mini-series and even played the video game, both were pretty good.

[@jamillion10]

Listened to the audiobook with my mom and it's one of the best books I've ever listened to/read

[@lynnlouise]

This one has been sitting on my shelf forever! It's a big one so I've been scared 🤣

[@dorgeousmac9478]

I remember the TV mini series from 2010. Not sure how it holds up now but I may need to check the book out

[@yelisieimurai]

Matt loved it, and I will love it!

[@jessezigg]

I've definitely listened to books that are longer than 41 hours (the length of Pillars.) Fae and Fare (Wandering Inn #2) was more than 61 hours! It's still a big book - for sure - but definitely not the longest.

[@benbrown007]

Currently reading book 5 in the series, they all are fine to good, but Pillars of the Earth is exceptional

[@shadowoflugia]

I only just found out that he’s written more in the series after the second one!

[@benbrown007]

@shadowoflugia If you like the first book you will like them. They do tend to get formulaic, but they are a good time

[@Belemrys]

983 pages for the paperback! Historical Fiction was my fav for such a long time! Check out The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

[@alidap2061]

I don't think he would Like The name of the rose because that is essentially mystery story and he doesn't Like mysteries!

[@susantaulli6580]

I read that at least 25 years ago. Very very good. It’s about building a church, but not really about building a church.

[@alidap2061]

Many People are put off by this book because they think this whole story is about building cathedral when really that is such a small part od the story!

[@ericw4377]

You may also enjoy The Evening and the Morning by the same author. It was published towards the end of 2020. I guess it is a prequel to Pillars because it ends where Pillars begins. I liked Pillars a lot, as well.

[@84tand]

Evening and the Morning takes place 2 centuries before Pillars. In fact each book of the Kingsbridge series takes place 2 centuries after the other. So they each have their own cast and are essentially stand alones.

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

Matt's Historical Fiction Book Reviews Doesn't stick does it? 😂

[@raswartz]

One of my favorite books of all time.

[@rohannborah9025]

is this book religious/preachy?

[@alidap2061]

​@@rohannborah9025 Not at all! Iz reads Like a fast paced action Thriller!

[@raswartz]

@@rohannborah9025 Not that I remember.

[@kristen7623]

Ughhhhh this book is so good that it hurts. Out of 105 books I read last year, it was #2 after Words of Radiance. It made a giant impression on my life

[@angelamccollister]

Since you like historical fiction, if you want to read more books set in the same time period as Pillars, then try Sharon Kay Penman. Her book titled When Christ and His Saints Slept is about The Anarchy. It follows the leaders of the civil war but there is a framing narrative where a fictional character the author created helps tell the narrative. This is the first of her Plantagenent series, but most can be read as standalones, including this one. The author did years of research for each of her books and there are author's notes at the end that give a lot of that research info and why she made certain choices in her fictionalization

[@DanielJohnston-lf7zo]

I never finished it although it is one of the first 'adult' books I ever bought and kickstarted my journey. This review convinced me to go back and read it. It's a book I feel so guilty about DNFing but if I read it it'll serve as a sort of redemption for me I feel.

[@rafaelsousa9447]

So, how does it stand when compared to Lonesome Dove?

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Right next to each other!

[@amy_harboredinpages8272]

I have had a copy of the audio on hold through my library... since November... there was roughly a 3 month wait... wre down to 1 month... I'm a patient girl... My mother gave me her paperback copy... soooo ... My patience will either run out or I will be having a pleasent "immersion reading" experience. 📖🥰📚

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

I hope you love it!

[@amy_harboredinpages8272]

@@MattsFantasyBookReviews Thank you! I loved The Century Trilogy, and agree with you that Follet would be fully capable of writing fantasy.📖🥰📚

[@kimtherrien8643]

It is a long book but it is such a page turner you don't notice how long it is.

[@AndreDeSimone-dy1cz]

How was the audiobook for this? I don't usually do fantasy audiobooks because there's too much to keep track of. I'm doing Warlord Chronicles on audio right now and feel good tracking that story, even though half the characters' names start with G

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Absolutely wonderful audiobook. Very small cast of characters and super easy to follow along.

[@Ninaofthe90s]

1200 pages in the German translation... I'm reading The Count of Monte Christo at the moment - 1500 pages!!

[@gerardoperegrina5080]

Man, oh man. Hobb's level of character work. The final blow that caused me to put this book in my TBR, you've done it Matt.

[@0Arman0]

Same haha

[@Kenji7761]

I have actually been listening to this book to sleep for the last decade+. I feel like I would probably rock trivia at it at this point. I have listened to a good chunk of the second and it's probably just me but I didn't care for it as much. It's probably just me just putting up impossible standards after the first. Regardless I'm not a huge reader and I know THIS book back to front.

[@cappy2282]

It was a great read for sure. William was a good guy...just misunderstood

[@kelleyceccato7025]

I gravitate toward historical fiction for much the same reason I gravitate toward fantasy: the books take me to a time and place I can't visit in real life. I admit I did things backwards as regards this story: I watched the miniseries a few years ago, yet haven't read the book, and I don't have a single good excuse for the latter. I enjoyed the series very much, so I know the story will be to my taste, with the added bonus that the more shocking violent moments wouldn't take me by surprise. This year I need to tackle the book. Would you recommend print or audio? I enjoy both (with the exception of Abercrombie, which for me is audio-only).

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

It would be great either way. Personally I thought the audio was great, so if you are looking for an excuse for a good audiobook, check it out.

[@kelleyceccato7025]

Thanks!@@MattsFantasyBookReviews

[@DanielJohnston-lf7zo]

If you're looking for historical fiction that's also extremely dark, I suggest one of my favorite books: The Wolf and the Watchman by Niklas Natt och Dag. It's a mystery novel about a corpse missing its arms, legs, eyes, mouth and tongue, and our heroes, who include a crippled war veteran and a doctor dying of tubercolosis, attempts at uncovering who the f*** would do such a thing. There's some really messed up scenes and grey and grey morality is heavily invoked here. And the ending, it's a twist I did not see coming.

[@alidap2061]

That book is amazing but extremly Dark and twisted! The other two on the trilogy are good but bit as amazing as the first book.

[@kevinkerns4154]

I loved this book. He writes spy books

[@drcelsosoares]

It really is.

[@CanBalaban8]

I have the abridged version does anyone know if it is any good?

[@84tand]

Go with the unabridged version. I'm not familiar with the abridged version, but there is not a wasted moment in the unabridged version.

[@henryorhank]

Prior Philip is pretty easily in my top 5 favorite characters ever, just such a kind and good person. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I have never hated a fictional character more than William Hamley

[@Ninaofthe90s]

he's terrible, but no Joffrey!

[@kevinkerns4154]

Read The girl with the dragon tattoo trilogy. His is my best non fantasy/ scifi series

[@Ninaofthe90s]

Who's your favorite character???

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Definitely Philip!

[@Ninaofthe90s]

@@MattsFantasyBookReviews Same!! 🙏🙏

[@arymuhammad7549]

Does it work as a standalone ?

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

100%

[@arymuhammad7549]

Perfect, makes me want to read it much sooner

[@84tand]

Yes. Each book in the series takes place in a different century, with a different cast of characters.

[@shwetmani3239]

FINALLY!!!!

[@quintonbrown3784]

My only issue was how fast the main character got over a certain death 😅

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yeah I could see that.

[@sasapejcin3568]

How weird that Matt loves a book written in the 80s lol.

[@asymptoticspatula]

well you've piqued my interest!

[@myfirstnovel]

Word to the wise, the second book is a copycat of the first and the formula becomes too obvious. I would instead recommend the tv series, surprisingly good although they made some hard choices as you can imagine. Just not right away while eveything is so fresh in your mind…

[@tyrson4331]

I do think the formula repeats itself a bit in the next books, but I actually like a lot World Without End. The town is more fleshed about, the battle of Crécy and the Crécy campaign part is very good, and it has the Black Death