On the front cover of the copy of this book that I read, there is a quote from Cosmopolitan: "Enormous and brilliant...a great epic tale." I don't know why that didn't ring any warning bells in my head - first, that the publisher had the need to quote Cosmo on the cover (don't get me wrong, I'm a huge Cosmo fan, but that isn't the most respected source for book reviews), and second, that they felt it was necessary to use the word "enormous." Enormous meaning what? That the book is enormous? (No kidding.) That the story was enormous? (Enormously long? Enormously drawn out? Enormously ridiculous? I don't know.)

But nevertheless, I proceeded to read the first 100 pages, then the second 100, and then I eventually continued to plow through, unamused but determined to finish it. This novel is unnecessarily long, wordy, graphic, and self-indulgent. The scenes of violence and rape are so over the top, it made me want to vomit. The detail that Follett goes into about the cathedral is tedious and downright boring - I found myself skipping over these parts, which were numerous and lengthy. Additionally, Follett's writing is simplistic, dull, and choppy. While the story behind this novel wasn't horrible on its own, it's this poor writing that really made it terrible for me.

I know that many people love this book, and I'm really disappointed that I couldn't see what others find to be so wonderful about it. This is the second novel of Follett's that I've read, and from what I can tell, while he has a remarkable imagination and ability to create stories, he really needs work in the writing department. ( )

The building of a cathedral … A pretty heavy tome, 1000 pages, not typical Ken Follett. Really got into it. It's about 2 or maybe 3 generations of families and the building of a cathedral. Mostly though about life in mediaval times, good vs. evil, survival and victory. ( )

Wow, this is like a grown up version of Twilight - I couldn't put it down but I didn't want to be seen with it. ( )

Centered around the building of a grand new cathedral, Pillars of the Earth tells the story of several people living in 12th century Kingsbridge, England. Even at 973 pages, this is a quick read and has something for everyone. There are stories of passionate love and romance, betrayal and murder, political suspense and intrigue. For the most part historically accurate, this is a great read if you are interested in the Middle Ages. ( )

How to build a cathedral in 4 million gruelling steps. I don't understand readers' fascination with this novel. It's overdone and overlong. ( )