The Pillars of the Earth question

As a long time reader of Ken Follet, I found Pillars of the Earth to be a very compelling historical novel. A real and very nice change from the mystery/drama books, which I might add I thouroghly enjoy! THere was suspense, intrigue, empathy for the characters, a feeling of being there and an idea for what may really have been going on in an age of coming enlightenment and dark secrets. Suffice to say I think Follet is a remarkable writer and no matter what not allk readers will enjoy all the books.

Mmm... I started Pillars of the Earth and could not get through the first couple of chapters. Dialogues and characters feel bland and formulaic.

Well, I have never read any of his previous books, so I can't answer you properly. But, he may just have found his niche in writing this type of historical nove. Maybe he has a knack for research and for completely immersing his reader in history.

I just think that The Pillars of the Earth and its sequel, World Without End were his 2 masterpieces. I just read The Fall of Giants and was not as impressed. I suppose an author, even a great author, has a couple superior works and the rest are not as comparable. Some great authors only produce one great novel in a lifetime. Like Wuthering Heights, To Kill a Mockingbird, etc.

I know exactly what you mean- I absolutely loved pillars, world, and giants, and all the rest have been kinda "meh." night over water was probably my favorite of his others, and it had that same kinda huge character cast that's in pillars, world, and giants...so maybe he needs lots of characters to work with?

I totally loved Pillars but thought World Without End was not as good. The thrillers I usually avoid no matter who wrote them.

Maybe it has something to do with the genre. Yes, I've read some of his trillers and Pillars, and I totally agree. Clearly, only Follet knows for sure. Maybe he didn't put as much heart into his thrillers. Perhaps he took them more lightly. Frankly, as a reader, when I want a "light" read, I go for a mystery, a thriller. When I want to really be moved or be challenged or want to learn something, I'll go for a historical novel. Since I approach genres differently as a reader, perhaps writers approach them differently. I'm not sure ....

If you liked Pillars of the Earth you should read World Without End, it's even better.

Pillars is a masterpiece. All his thrillers pre Pillars are excellent. Everything since feels cranked out and predictable. World Without End was no where near as good as Pillars. I stopped reading Follet's thrillers after The Third Twin and I'm done with him after World.

I thought Dangerous Fortune was also a good historical fiction book that he wrote. I didn't like A Place Called Freedom as much.

I loved both "Pillars of the Earth" and "World Without End" which a worthy companion novel to "Pillars" which updated the fictional town of Kingsbridge and the cathedral project over 200 years later.

"Eye of the Needle" & "Jackdaws" notwithstanding, I never cared much for Follet's espionage thrillers. He is a versatile writer but I prefer his epic historical fiction books. "Dangerous Fortune" is an excellent tale of the crimes and misdemeanors of Victorian era merchant bankers.

I love Pillars and World Without End.I,ve read Fall of Giants and for sure it is not as good as Pillars but it still impressive.I've never read any of his thrillers.Any recommendation guys?

I agree with you, his thriller novels aren't so in-depth as Pillars. I first read pillars 17 years ago. I've since read the book a good 15 times over, that's how much I love it, and have read many of Follet's thrillers (which albeit entertaining and well written, do not hold a candle to Pillars). I've since been looking for books that compare to it, but have not found any that caught me the way Pillars has. I have World without end sitting on my bookshelf collecting dust because i'm afraid of being disappointed. Currently reading the Game of Thrones books to keep me entertained, I think i'll finally read World without End after i'm done.

Pillars of the Earth was the first book i read of Ken Follet and must say it was awesome. So much attention to detail. But just felt he urgently finished off the ending. Nevertheless the book is awesome!!