 2008-11-20 - My favorite book of all time
I read this book with no expectations. I was initially intimidated by the size of it, but after a few months of putting off picking it up, I sat down with the first chapter.
I thought it would be a struggle to begin, but it was a smooth transition and once I was into the story, I never wanted to leave. I got anxious as I closed in on the ending of the book, as I had become in love with the characters and I wanted them to remain part of my life.
It is a fantastic and rich storyline. I am looking forward to forgetting parts of the story so that I may return to it again for all the emotions and excitement it offers. I highly recommend this book, I hold onto my copy for another day and I buy more copies for gifts every chance I get.
2008-11-19 - AWESOME!!
An amazing read, couldn't put it down. The characters are engaging, the story is gripping. Architectural details form the settings perfectly.
 2008-11-18 - A historically inaccurate, voyeuristic, modern thriller
I picked up this book with some interest and expectations. I should not have.
Well, I didn't read it cover to cover, as I skimmed it. But what I read was enough.
This book assumes, as most moderns do, that the medieval ages was full of 21st century people, with 21st century mindsets, who just got raped and tortured more.
enough said.
The rape scenes are described in shallow, graphic, thriller detail... I suppose Ken figured enough modern people would buy the book to vicariously enjoy (or are entertained by--same thing) the gratuitous, graphic, entertaining rape and torture scenes....
trash. In every sense of the word.
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This is like a modern version of the 19th century thrillers such as Quo Vadis, in all their anachronistic consumer glory. Both revel in the badness of the bad characters to the point of enjoyment. Both give an insincere nod to the religion of their day (between Nero&Co's revels, early christianity gets a nod. In Ken's book, feminist/modernist stuff gets a nod in between *entertaining* rape scenes of women). Yrch.
Hypocritical and disgusting.
I am not saying their isn't a place for graphic ugliness & barbarity in telling the human story. Doestoevsky is extremely disturbing--but it is there for a purpose, the readers are suffering/grieving for them. In Ken's book--its here for entertainment value. That is just WRONG.
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(Moderns always smear the medievals, by making these ghastly fantasies that have nothing in common with the reality. Come on, people! There is alot of primary sources out there, translated into English, for anyone interested in the real people of that age. Its completely unlike our modern conceptions of them. for starters, ISBN 1551115506 0879071379 0951150308 9780140448993 [...] )
2008-11-17 - Great choice by Oprah
After reading and loving Night by Elie Wiesel, I thought I'd try another of Oprah's book club picks. I had high expectations and was thoroughly satisfied with this book. It is a story that seems to go on endlessly as if you are reading a true history! Lots of accurate facts and descriptions to make you feels as if you are really there. At the end I was left with a feeling of sadness knowing it was all coming to a close. The sign of a great read!
2008-11-16 - A must read
The Pillars of the Earth (Deluxe Edition) (Oprah's Book Club) Not your usual Ken Follett, but of the highest excellence. Gripping, informative, and thoroughly enjoyable. I bought the audio edition for my 89-year-old father who was a mason by trade. My 90-year-old mother, who consumes books like confections, will also be wrapped up in it.
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