Now that is what you call awesome storytelling.

Simply put, this book was amazing. Amazing, amazing, amazing. I commend Ken Follett for writing such a masterpiece and chide myself for not having discovered his work sooner.

Set in the Middle Ages, sometime around the 12th century, the story principally centered around the building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, in England. Surrounding this monumental feat are the stories of several characters whose lives are separate chronicles of poverty, despondence, betrayal, revenge, lust for power, forgiveness, religion, and vindication. As the story develops, however, these separate tales of their lives turn out to be connected with each other.

I have yet to remember reading a book that evoked so much emotion in me, and such strong, varied emotions at that. I went through outrage and anger reading about the evil and petulant William Hamleigh, the sly Bishop Waleran Bigod, and the stupid but cunning Alfred Builder. I felt suppressed pity for the destitute years of Aliena and her brother Richard, Tom Builder and his family, and the helpless people of Kingsbridge who were always vulnerable to the evildoings of their cruel lord, William. I wanted to scream at the indecision of the monarchs, at the injustice of their dole-outs, if at all, and the lack of scruples of certain men of religion. I could almost feel the pureness of the love shared between Jack and Aliena, Tom and his second wife, Ellen, and even the filial love shared by Prior Philip and the priory orphan, Jonathan. And I felt as though I myself had been vindicated when, in the end, after all the tribulations and trials suffered by the protagonists in the story, justice was finally given and deserved. There is always a great feeling when, at the end of a story, you feel that good has triumphed over evil.

Some historical facts had been thrown in, as well, like the gruesome murder of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, who was executed by the men of King Henry II after years of conflict over the rights of the Church. I'm not familiar with that story at all, so I looked it up, and learned something new. ;) The fact also that it tackled much of gothic and medieval architecture would definitely entice those whose interests are in that field. The story spans several years, or most of the 12th century, so this is really one hulking read.

The only downside I could think of after reading this book is the lack of visual aids to which I could refer when Follett described the step-by-step construction of the cathedral. For someone who has practically no working idea of medieval architecture, or any sort of architecture for that matter, I found it difficult to imagine how a 'transept', 'nave', or 'clerestory' looked like. I don't know if the book should have included a sketch or some sort of illustration to guide idiots like me, but that would have been great so that the descriptions of the cathedral construction could have been appreciated better. As it is, the book was too technical where that part is concerned.

Nonetheless, the book was a terrific read in and by itself. I loved Follett's writing: simple but eloquent. He was able to bring to life each and every one of his characters, and depicted them in such a way that they came alive, for me, when I read about their travails. I admired the way he tied up loose ends at the conclusion, and how he gave absolution to the characters who deserved it.

This is the first Ken Follett book I've read, but definitely not the last. :)