Questions About The Pillars of the Earth (Kingsbridge, #1)

by Ken Follett (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (28)

Has anyone else noticed the numerous appearances of "his heart was in his mouth" or "with her heart in her mouth"? I would have thought an editor would have circled ONE use of such a cliche but I'm half way through and am at seven and counting. Gripping story though.....

Sylvain Yes, I'm currently reading it & it's bothering me too!

Did you notice how Follett managed to include a "Previously on Pillars of the Earth" bit every o…moreYes, I'm currently reading it & it's bothering me too!

Did you notice how Follett managed to include a "Previously on Pillars of the Earth" bit every once in a while?(less)

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Are the sequels worth reading?

Miriam Majome He is working on the third and final in the series set to be released in 2017 as I heard/read somewhere and I'm sure we all look forward to it. I'm as…moreHe is working on the third and final in the series set to be released in 2017 as I heard/read somewhere and I'm sure we all look forward to it. I'm ashamed to say that I have not read the highly recommended World Without End although I definitely will. It's just that I read Pillars this year and some strong and trusted recommendations advised against ploughing into it so soon after Pillars so I'm giving it about a year and I agree because of the sheer power and gripping nature of Pillars which I'm still reveling in several months later so two at once will be too much. (less)

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All i recollect about this book were the inordinate number of rape scenes. Seriously for some authors the ONLY way to realistically portray medieval times is to show that no woman can venture out without being assaulted and Ken Folliot is clearly the Godfather of that club. Did anyone else feel the same?

Richard I agree. I could see the argument for including SOME graphic detail, but I felt the author went to the rape well too often and in too much detail. The…moreI agree. I could see the argument for including SOME graphic detail, but I felt the author went to the rape well too often and in too much detail. The story was good enough that I wanted to see it through, but I don't think I'm going to subject myself to the sequels.(less)

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Would anyone else have liked to see a reunion between Martha and Jonathan when it was revealed he was her brother who had been abandoned as a baby and raised by the monks? I would have loved to see their no-doubt happy reactions.

Mike Barnby Yes! I couldn't believe that Martha's reaction was left out - seems like a major oversight. Honestly, it sort of ruined the book for me!…moreYes! I couldn't believe that Martha's reaction was left out - seems like a major oversight. Honestly, it sort of ruined the book for me!(less)

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Is the attitude of women towards sex, as written about in this series, accurate for that time? They seem to all be "gagging for it"?

Lisa I think the women who are in love with their man are eager, but keep in mind this book is written by a man. (I usually prefer female authors as they a…moreI think the women who are in love with their man are eager, but keep in mind this book is written by a man. (I usually prefer female authors as they are much more realistic in their portrayal of women.) There is also plenty of forced sex, which is disgusting to read and should have been kept to one paragraph and portrayed less graphically. Philippa Gregory does a great job of conveying brutality without going overboard. (less)

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