Novel set in historic times (12th century England) which is a page turner but not an historic novel – the character seem to be more modern characters placed in the environment (worrying about “wasting their lives” is unlikely to be a 12 century perspective). The villains are stark – almost to the point of dressing in black clothes, or riding a black horse, but the heroes are more complex and believable. But overall, enjoyable and a good read nonetheless. Read November 2007 ( )

Our fourth book club read, a large one at that.

The Pillars of the Earth tells the long journey of a family as they struggle to survive through the ups and downs of life. Tom Builder wants to become the master builder to a wonderful cathedral but has a hard time finding work and the means to support his family. He is striken by loss and fears he will never find happiness again.

With a book of this epic proportion it’s hard to go through the entire plot without somehow giving away key points. I know I found the book more enjoyable by not reading much about it prior so I didn’t know what to expect. Some of it was rather shocking, the sense that you never expected the author to do something so drastic.

And then there’s combination of spirituality and obstinance while mixed with vuglar sexual encounters. It is such a diverse book that even if you don’t like overly spiritual or overall romantic books, there is more than enough to go around for it to appeal to so many readers of different varieties.

Unsure in the beginning the form the book would take and the overall message, I was happy at finding that the book covered so many lives and years that the focus involved a whole community rather than a single character and family, while still holding the readers attention and hooking them on the various storylines.

It was well worth the read, despite the almost 4 weeks it took me to read it.

This is one of my favorite books of all times. I love reading the period stuff and keep my up late at night until I finished. I think I have read it three or four times now. ( )

Merged review: ( )

A friend suggested that I read this. I had issues putting it down. So did my wife. We were in Italy on our honeymoon! ( )