 2008-11-26 - Lives up to the promise of his first medieval novel
I had greatly enjoyed Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth, and so I was looking forward to World Without End. While not exactly a sequel, his second medieval novel picks up in the same town of Kingsbridge two and a half centuries later, so that his first novel is the local history and its characters the ancestors of the characters of his second novel. It completely lived up to my expectations, and held me rapt. Once again he has woven a fascinating tale of love, ambition (both lofty and venial), and intrigue around an engaging set of characters, and enriched with a depth of historical context. While engrossed in the struggles of an independent-minded woman, an excellent architect with a poor start in life, a brutish knight, and a scheming prior, I inadvertently learned a heap of history, such as the economic development of medieval English boroughs, the wars of King Edward III in France, and the principles of medieval medicine. It was fascinating to me to learn things like how the wool trade gave way to the cloth trade, how feudal lords lost control of their tenant laborers, what the experience of the Plague was like, and how brutal the English invaders were in France. (That last item gives me a new appreciation for the famous Rodin sculpture The Burghers of Calais.) These historical details are not the least bit pedantic, but are vividly described, forming integral background to the rich tapestry of Follett's gripping characters and story. Through a span of a generation, the story explores, among other themes, the interesting question of what options were available for a smart, independent woman in the mid-14th century. I thoroughly enjoyed this fascinating historical tale.
2008-11-23 - Same but thats the point
Just to add a point here, many of the criticisms of this book deal with how similar it is toi Pillars. Well, thats true, but the entire point of buying this book for most people is to get a repetition of the Pillars experience. So draw your own conclusions...
 2008-11-21 - Keep the sex scenes out of good historical fiction
Why would such an excellent writer feel compelled to write soft-porn sex scenes in otherwise terrific historical fiction? It just ruined the whole book for me.
 2008-11-19 - EPIC ENTERTAINMENT!
There is nothing I like more then finding a book I can really sink my teeth into. I love it when a book is so good I find myself thinking about it when I'm not reading it. I love when a book is an easy read not because the content is frivalous, but the writing is fluid and well paced. I love books that have epic story lines and diverse characters. I love historical fiction that is well researched but not "preachy". As a relatively slow reader, I love being able to read 100+ pages in one go without batting an eye. I love this book because it provides all these things.
If you're looking for a book with emotional depth and contemplative prose, move along.
If you're looking to invest yourself in a long and thrilling tale, look no further.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Suggested With: An oversized chair and a tankard of ale. ;)
2008-11-19 - Great sequel, unlike any other
Even though the characters are different, set later in time, you're able to get right back in the story like its prequel. I was initially disappointed that the story didn't pick up where it left off, but once I got into it, it was so much better! Again, the architectural details and Follett's ability to really "put you in the story" is the best part.
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